Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, has revealed the reason behind his removal from office by former President Goodluck Jonathan in March 2014. According to him, the decision was linked to political events in Kwara State and his refusal to publicly attack former Senate President Bukola Saraki during a tense campaign period.

Abdullahi explained that trouble began after Saraki defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the then newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC). As the most senior federal appointee from Kwara State at the time, he was expected to take charge of the PDP structure in the state, finance party activities and lead the campaign against Saraki during President Jonathan’s visit.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Abdullahi said he was placed in a difficult position, caught between loyalty to his political mentor and pressure from the Presidency. He said he refused to join in the attacks against Saraki, describing his decision as a matter of principle, even though he knew it could cost him his job.

Despite his dismissal, Abdullahi said he has no regrets about serving under President Jonathan. He noted that he accepted the consequences of his stand and recalled his long political relationship with Saraki, having served as his aide and later as Commissioner for Education during Saraki’s time as governor of Kwara State.