In The Loyalist, Bolaji Abdullahi delivers a gripping account of his two-decade odyssey through the stormy waters of Nigerian politics. More than a memoir, this is an unflinching exploration of power, loyalty, and ambition, told with the insight of a journalist-turned-politician. Abdullahi pulls back the curtains on the high-stakes manoeuvring of governance, the transactional nature of party politics, and the personal sacrifices demanded by public service.
From his formative years as an aide in Kwara State to his tenure as a federal minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, Abdullahi’s journey is marked by triumphs, betrayals, and profound lessons. With humour and candour, he navigates the complexities of his relationship with political godfathers like Senator Bukola Saraki, offering rare insight into the personal and political dynamics that shape leadership in Nigeria.
Written with wit and depth, The Loyalist transcends politics to become a moving meditation on integrity, service, and identity. Abdullahi’s story is an inspiring reminder of the strength needed to stand firm in a world where loyalty and ambition often collide.
Olufunso Abdullahi –
The LOYALIST by Bolaji Abdullahi is a memoir of his 20 year sojourn in the Nigerian Politics, his experience may butress that popular saying that politics is a dirty game it might even be described as a game of chess.
In the LOYALIST, Mallam Abdullahi traced his journey from the news room where he was top Journalist with THIS DAY Newspaper
From the news room, he got an invitation to enter into public service, a move he initially was sceptical about, but eventually came to love as he was able to actualise some of the training he received during his Masters degree in Governance and development at the University of Sussex.
In all his political activities he remained loyal to his Political Godfather,
His attempt to shift from a selected public official in public governance to elected office has been the major bone of contention
From being welcome home as a hero after he was dropped as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Through the praises and speeches, Abdullahi believed the coast was clear for him to contest for and win the Governorship election.
On the cusp of the primary election the intrigues began, the chess game was thrown in, at this instance ” the under belly of human nature” began to unravel.
His second attempt to contest this time for the senatorial seat were also met with intrigues and complications by high echelon in his party who he believes in normal circumstance should work assiduously to ensure victory.
I will recommend THE LOYALIST to political scientists, historians and all who love excellent writing.