Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has opened up about his emotional struggles following his 2015 electoral defeat, sharing his journey from isolation to acceptance.
At the inaugural Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, held in Abuja on Friday, October 25, Jonathan paid tribute to the late media figure Raymond Dokpesi, who passed in May 2023. Organized by Daar Communications and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the event highlighted Dokpesi’s legacy and his lasting impact on Nigerian media and politics.
Reflecting on the aftermath of his loss, Jonathan, who served from 2010 to 2015, described feeling isolated and overwhelmed. “Losing an election as a sitting president feels like the world is against you,” he remarked. Running for a second term under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), becoming the first incumbent Nigerian president to be defeated in a re-election bid.
Despite the loss, Jonathan made history by graciously conceding before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially announced the results. He recalled how Dokpesi’s support during that time gave him hope and encouragement to continue.
“Before I handed over, Dokpesi invited me to speak,” Jonathan shared. “He congratulated me and advised me to look beyond the election.” Jonathan credited Dokpesi’s counsel for helping him transition not only politically but also spiritually into life as a private citizen.
Jonathan’s memoir, My Transition Hours, delves further into his experiences and the resilience he found in his post-presidency journey.
