Former President Goodluck Jonathan explained on Sunday why his administration did not implement the recommendations from the 2014 National Conference. He made this statement during a condolence visit to the family of the late Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, alongside former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in Lagos.
Jonathan pointed out that the political climate in Nigeria at the time was too unstable to accommodate the presentation of the recommendations, according to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria. He acknowledged that the 2014 National Conference would not have occurred without the contributions of individuals like the late Adebanjo.
Adebanjo passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.
Jonathan noted that many have questioned why he did not implement the conference’s recommendations, emphasising that there was significant political turmoil in the country during that period.
He mentioned that a prominent member of the legislature from his party defected and actively worked against him, with others ready to undermine his administration at that time.
“It was not the right moment to present such a document. Thank God for everything. We believe that eventually, a government will review it and consider its contents,” he stated.
He reiterated that the recommendations were formulated by reputable Nigerians who were not swayed by political agendas, asserting, “We believe the outcomes remain highly relevant to our society.”
During the visit, Jonathan and Abubakar were received at different times by Adebanjo’s children, led by Obafemi Ayo-Adebanjo. Members of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, led by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, were also present.
Jonathan arrived at Adebanjo’s Lekki residence at 1:57 p.m., accompanied by Sierra Leone’s former President Ernest Bai Koroma, former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George, and other political figures.
Abubakar, who arrived around 3 p.m., was joined by PDP chieftains, including Chief Dele Momodu and Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, the 2023 PDP governorship candidate for Lagos State.
At a meeting with Adebanjo’s children and members of Afenifere, Jonathan referred to Adebanjo as a leader not just of Afenifere but of Nigeria as a whole.
“Our dear leader was not only the leader of Afenifere; he was a leader of this country. He possessed great wisdom, courage, and a steadfast commitment to doing what was right for Nigeria. He upheld truth and justice, for no nation can thrive without them,” Jonathan remarked. “His legacy of integrity is evident in how he led Afenifere with distinction. He always sought the best for our country.”
Atiku also paid tribute to Adebanjo, calling him a great leader and lamenting the loss both to his immediate family and to those who admired him.
“It is true that I have visited this house several times. I have left here with the virtues that Pa Adebanjo stood for and championed throughout his life. It is only fitting that we honour him after his passing and recognise his contributions to the unity and peaceful coexistence of our nation. I feel privileged to stand with his family during this difficult time, and we thank God for the worthy life he lived.”
“We share in this loss because he was also a father figure to us, a mentor and a guide in our endeavours for this country,” Atiku added.
Later that evening, Jonathan, Atiku, and several other PDP leaders attended a dinner hosted by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at The Delborough Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also graced the dinner with his presence.
