Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan discusses the emotional toll of his 2015 election defeat, offering a personal perspective on the challenges and lessons learned from that pivotal moment in his political career.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan shared his emotional experience after losing the 2015 election, calling it one of the most challenging times in his political career.
During his speech on Friday at the first Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja, Jonathan shared his reflections on grappling with the challenges he encountered while coming to terms with the outcome. He expressed feeling as though “the whole world was against” him.
Campaigning as the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jonathan lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Buhari received 15,424,921 votes compared to Jonathan’s 12,853,162.
This election was a landmark event in Nigeria’s history, as it was the first time an incumbent president failed to secure re-election.
Jonathan also spoke about the support he received from Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of Daar Communications, mentioning that Dokpesi played a fatherly role during the transition period.
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He explained, “Losing an election as a president is not easy. It feels like the entire world is against you. However, before I handed over power, Dokpesi invited me and shared some words with me after my defeat.”
Many senior Nigerians, including elder statesmen, spoke during the event. After listening to all their discussions, he congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election. This is how I marked that occasion.
The communication provided me with hope, offering support not just for the upcoming transition hour but also in my spiritual life as a private individual. I delve into this topic more deeply in my book, “My Transition Hours.”
In his earlier remarks, the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, encouraged Nigerians to exercise their freedom of speech responsibly.
Mohammed described Dokpesi as a patriot and outstanding media figure, suggesting that others should emulate his exemplary nation-building lifestyle.
We hold freedom of speech in the highest regard, while also advocating for responsible use of this right. Nigerians are encouraged to express their views about our beloved country. However, we must remain vigilant and prevent any reckless negativity from turning into a self-fulfilling prophecy.
If we concentrate solely on what’s going wrong and fail to equally acknowledge what we’re doing well, both individually and collectively, it would be a serious mistake. Despite our current challenges as a nation, there are many things we are handling effectively.
“The media plays a crucial role in reinforcing this balanced approach through its reporting, guiding and shaping public opinion. The late Dokpesi contributed significantly to this effort, leaving an unforgettable legacy,” he remarked.
