By Our Correspondent
Political commentator Mahdi Shehu has said that a growing number of Nigerians are quietly regretting believing the negative narratives used against former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in the years leading up to the 2015 general election. He made this known in a message marking Jonathan’s 68th birthday, where he described the former president as a calm and patient leader who chose national unity over political conflict.
Shehu argued that many of the criticisms targeted at Jonathan ahead of the 2015 polls were driven by political propaganda rather than an honest assessment of his administration. He said that claims about insecurity, financial mismanagement, and weak leadership were amplified to sway public opinion and create a negative image of Jonathan at the time. According to him, current realities have allowed more Nigerians to compare leadership styles, revealing that many of those narratives were misleading.
He also stated that several figures who led the anti-Jonathan campaigns have turned out to be less effective and even less popular than Jonathan ever was. Shehu said that some of these individuals now display the same shortcomings they once accused Jonathan of, which he described as an unfortunate twist in Nigeria’s political story.
According to Shehu, while some of Jonathan’s critics may not apologise openly, many Nigerians are privately acknowledging that they were misled by what he referred to as blackmailing political narratives. He added that people with a sense of fairness and responsibility are beginning to reconsider their past positions and appreciate Jonathan’s efforts in maintaining national stability.
Shehu’s remarks contribute to the ongoing reassessment of Jonathan’s time in office, as more citizens reflect on the political climate surrounding the 2015 transition and compare it with present-day conditions.
