Jonathan Sacked Me Because I Refused To Attack Saraki, Says ADC Spokesman

The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, says he was relieved of his duties by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan because he refused to attack ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki.

THE WHISTLER reports that Abdullahi who represented Kwara State at the Federal Executive Council served as Minister of Youth Development and later Minister of Sports under Jonathan’s administration and was relieved of his appointment in March 2014.

Saraki on the other hand, left the PDP in January 2014 after he fell out with the administration of Jonathan.

Abdullahi previously served as Special Assistant on Communication and Special Adviser on Policy under Saraki when he was governor of Kwara State, before being appointed Commissioner for Education.

His comments come a day after the public presentation of his memoir, which chronicles his journey in public service.

His memoir also includes his rise through the ranks under Saraki’s mentorship and the eventual breakdown of their political alignment.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Abdullahi said his loyalty to Saraki cost him his position.

“There is always a price to pay because you find yourself caught in between. You are not being asked to take sides in a battle that you hardly understand most of the time,” he said.

He recounted a moment when pressure mounted for him to publicly criticise Saraki following the latter’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

“Why was I sacked? President Jonathan was going to Kwara to campaign, and that was when Saraki left the PDP to join the APC.

“I was expected, as the most senior political appointee from Kwara, to take over the PDP structure, fund it, and lead the President’s campaign.

“When we got to Kwara, everybody was attacking Saraki. I was expected as the most senior political office holder to also join in and attack Saraki, and I said no. So it was a matter of principle,” he explained.

Asked if he regretted serving in Jonathan’s government, Abdullahi said no, explaining that he had anticipated being sacked for maintaining both his loyalty to Saraki and his relationship with the President.