Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, described his political journey as “a political miracle,” reflecting on his rapid rise from deputy governor to Nigeria’s president within four years.
Jonathan made the remark at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, during the public presentation of three books authored by journalist and his former spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati.
“My political journey looked like a political miracle. From deputy governor to becoming president of this country within four years — it was a miracle. It’s only God that made it possible,” Jonathan said.
He commended Abati for his intellectual depth and for documenting his experiences in government, noting that such works contribute to Nigeria’s political and historical record.
The event was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who praised Abati for his evolution from a journalist and commentator to political aide, politician, and now author.
Obasanjo also emphasised the importance of truth as a vital element for both personal and national success.
“The truth that I stood for at that time, you have now come to stand for,” Obasanjo said.
“I am happy that in my lifetime, I can say I have a son in Reuben Abati who has matured, who has understood, who has progressed, and who is now on the path of success.”
Book reviewer, Louis Odion, described the three titles, Portraits: People, Politics and Society (642 pages), How Goodluck Jonathan Became President (285 pages), and A Love Letter and Other Stories (402 pages), as powerful reflections on Nigeria’s political evolution, its challenges, and its enduring potential for unity.
Abati, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to his mentors and colleagues, assuring that more revealing works on the Jonathan presidency would be published in the future.
The event also featured a keynote address by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, and drew an impressive list of dignitaries, including Abia State governor Alex Otti; Lagos State deputy governor Obafemi Hamzat; EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and former governors Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, and Adams Oshiomhole.
Other notable attendees included Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; publisher of The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; ThisDay publisher Nduka Obaigbena; advertising mogul Biodun Shobanjo; and sports administrator Amaju Pinnick.
Abati’s wife, Kikelomo Abati, led other family members in attendance at the colourful ceremony.
