Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed the emotional toll he felt after losing the 2015 presidential election.
The historic election was Nigeria’s first time witnessing an incumbent president defeated in a re-election bid, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s political landscape.
Running on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jonathan lost to Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, by over two million votes.
This defeat not only surprised the PDP, which had been in power since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, but also struck a personal blow to Jonathan.
Speaking candidly during the inaugural Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture on Friday, the former president described the experience as one of the most challenging moments of his life.
“Losing an election as a president is not easy,” Jonathan admitted, explaining how the loss made him feel isolated. “You feel as though the whole world is against you.”
An Emotional Defeat
The 2015 election, held under significant national scrutiny, was a major political event for Nigeria.
Jonathan’s opponent, Muhammadu Buhari, campaigned heavily on an anti-corruption platform, capturing the frustration of many Nigerians with promises of change.
Buhari’s APC gained traction across the country, successfully breaking PDP’s 16-year reign.
The final results were a dramatic reflection of the nation’s desire for political transformation, with Buhari securing 15,424,921 votes to Jonathan’s 12,853,162 votes.
Upon hearing the results, Jonathan, who had held Nigeria’s highest office since 2010, grappled with the reality of his defeat.
Dokpesi’s Timely Support
Amid the emotional weight of his loss, Jonathan found solace in the encouraging words of the late Raymond Dokpesi, then-chairman of Daar Communications and a prominent media figure in Nigeria.
Jonathan recounted how Dokpesi had reached out to him shortly after the election, offering words of comfort and perspective that helped him face the coming days.
“Dokpesi invited me before I handed over power,” Jonathan said, recalling the conversation with gratitude. “He congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election.”
Jonathan explained that this conversation, alongside others with elder statesmen, helped him gain a renewed sense of purpose, even as he prepared to exit the political stage.
Dokpesi’s words, he said, had an enduring impact not only on his transition but also on his personal spiritual journey as he moved from the presidency to life as a private citizen.
Jonathan went on to chronicle his transition from president to private citizen in his memoir My Transition Hours, where he detailed the emotional and spiritual journey following his loss.
The Historical Impact of the 2015 Election
The 2015 election remains a landmark in Nigeria’s political history.
For the first time, a Nigerian president gracefully accepted defeat and handed over power, setting an example of democratic maturity that won him praise internationally.
This peaceful transition reshaped Jonathan’s legacy, marking him as a leader committed to Nigeria’s democratic process.
By conceding, Jonathan played a key role in helping Nigeria avert potential violence and instability—a concern raised by international observers at the time.
In his concession speech, Jonathan famously said, “My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.”
This declaration became emblematic of his commitment to peace, earning him the respect of both allies and critics alike.
His willingness to concede was seen as a defining moment for democracy in Nigeria and across Africa.
Jonathan Reflects on Lessons Learned
As Jonathan spoke about his loss at the Diamond Lecture, he highlighted the lessons he learned and the personal growth that followed.
The experience, he said, forced him to reflect deeply on leadership, humility, and the importance of looking beyond individual ambition.
Jonathan acknowledged that the emotional challenges of losing as a president were profound, but also clarified that it was a period of valuable self-discovery.
He noted that the counsel from senior Nigerians like Dokpesi helped him gain perspective, finding peace in the path forward rather than dwelling on the past.
His reflections, shared during the Diamond Lecture, were poignant reminders of his role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
In a quote from his book, Jonathan wrote, “One’s true character is revealed not by victory but by how we handle defeat.”
Looking Beyond Politics
Since leaving office, Jonathan has focused his attention on global diplomacy and advocating for democratic practices across Africa.
He has served as a mediator in several international conflicts, drawing on his own experiences with political transition.
Jonathan’s story has resonated with many leaders across the continent, particularly as African nations continue to strive for peaceful transitions of power.
The former president’s influence now extends beyond Nigeria, with his experiences offering insights for other leaders facing challenges to democracy in their countries.
Praise for Jonathan’s Legacy
Many Nigerians still hold Jonathan in high regard, viewing his peaceful concession as a selfless act that prioritized the nation’s well-being.
By conceding defeat, Jonathan not only prevented potential post-election violence but also set a standard for democratic behavior in Africa.
Jonathan’s decision to prioritize peace over power remains a cornerstone of his legacy, a fact that continues to inspire leaders and citizens alike.
