Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan reflects on the emotional challenges following his 2015 election defeat. Speaking at the Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, he recounts feelings of isolation, his decision to concede peacefully, and the support he received from late media mogul Raymond Dokpesi during this pivotal transition.
In a heartfelt recounting of his experience following his 2015 electoral defeat, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan spoke candidly about the emotional toll he faced during that pivotal moment. Addressing the audience at the Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja, Jonathan reflected on the profound feelings of isolation that overcame him after losing his re-election bid. The event, organized by Daar Communications and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, paid tribute to Raymond Dokpesi, the late media giant who passed away earlier this year.
Jonathan, who held Nigeria’s highest office from 2010 to 2015, shared how challenging it was to come to terms with the loss. "When you lose as a sitting president, it can feel as though the entire world is against you," he stated, acknowledging the deeply personal impact of his unexpected defeat. Jonathan had campaigned for a second term under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was ultimately unseated by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This historic outcome marked the first time a sitting Nigerian president conceded to an election loss, establishing a milestone for Nigerian democracy.
Despite the disappointment, Jonathan’s legacy is remembered not only for the defeat but for his remarkable show of grace in conceding. He phoned Buhari to offer congratulations, a gesture that underscored his commitment to peace and stability. Reflecting on that moment, Jonathan recalled the role Dokpesi played in supporting him. According to Jonathan, Dokpesi extended an invitation to him during that challenging time, providing encouraging words and urging him to look beyond the election.
“Dokpesi’s words reminded me to focus on the future and gave me the spiritual strength to transition into life as a private citizen,” Jonathan said. His experience and reflections were later captured in his book, My Transition Hours, where he delves into the period following his departure from office and the personal resilience that emerged from this period.
