Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described his unexpected rise to the presidency as nothing short of a “political miracle,” recalling how he moved from deputy governor to Nigeria’s highest office in just four years.
Jonathan made the remark on Friday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, during the public presentation of three books written 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.
The former president praised Abati for his intellectual contributions and for documenting his experiences in public service, noting that such records enrich Nigeria’s political and historical narratives.
The event was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who lauded Abati’s transition from journalism to politics and now authorship. Obasanjo also underscored the value of truth as a cornerstone of both personal integrity and national progress.
“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, and who is now on the path of success.”
Book reviewer Louis Odion described the three works — Portraits: People, Politics and Society (642 pages), How Goodluck Jonathan Became President (285 pages), and A Love Letter and Other Stories (402 pages) — as incisive explorations of Nigeria’s political evolution, challenges, and potential for unity.
In his remarks, Abati expressed appreciation to his mentors and colleagues, assuring that more works focusing on the Jonathan presidency would be released in the future.
The ceremony also featured a keynote address by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, and attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
Others in attendance included former governors Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, and Adams Oshiomhole; Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; The Guardian publisher Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; ThisDay publisher Nduka Obaigbena; advertising icon Biodun Shobanjo; and sports administrator Amaju Pinnick.
Abati’s wife, Kikelomo, led members of his family to the colourful event.
