Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan recently shared his personal reflections on the 2015 election, describing the loss to Muhammadu Buhari as one of the most challenging experiences of his life. Speaking at the inaugural Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja, Jonathan noted that the defeat felt like “the whole world was against” him. The loss marked a historic moment, as Jonathan became Nigeria’s first incumbent president to lose a re-election bid, ending his term with 12.8 million votes to Buhari’s 15.4 million.
Jonathan explained that the aftermath of the election brought immense emotional strain. “It’s not easy to lose an election as a president,” he said, adding that the transition was a time of intense reflection on both his public and personal life. During this difficult period, the late Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications, played a pivotal role in supporting Jonathan. He offered not only words of encouragement but a renewed sense of hope, strengthening Jonathan’s resilience through the transition. Jonathan expressed that Dokpesi’s advice had a lasting impact on him, both as a leader and as a private citizen, fostering growth in his personal faith.
Reflecting on the broader implications of his experience, Jonathan underscored the importance of resilience and acceptance in the face of public loss. He also used the opportunity to highlight the contributions of Dokpesi, commending him as a patriotic figure who dedicated himself to media freedom and nation-building. Jonathan’s reflections have resonated with many, as his experience sheds light on the complexities of leadership and the value of maintaining dignity amid defeat.
