Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, has provided insight into his dismissal as Sports Minister by former President Goodluck Jonathan in March 2014.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Abdullahi revealed that his refusal to publicly denounce former Senate President Bukola Saraki during a political rally in Kwara State led to his removal.
He noted that in the high-stakes world of politics, “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.”
The former minister explained that following Saraki’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the presidency expected him to lead the charge against his former mentor.
Recounting the events, Abdullahi said: “Why was I sacked? President Jonathan was going to Kwara to campaign, and that was when Saraki left the PDP to join the APC.”
He further clarified the expectations placed upon him at the time: “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.”
Despite the outcome, Abdullahi stated he does not regret his service under the Jonathan administration.
He had anticipated the sack, choosing to prioritize his principles and his long-standing relationship with Saraki, under whom he had served as a Special Assistant, Special Adviser, and Commissioner for Education in Kwara State.
The revelation follows the recent launch of his memoir, which details his career trajectory under Saraki’s mentorship and the eventual shift in their political ties.
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