In a heartfelt speech delivered on Friday, former President Goodluck Jonathan opened up about his experiences surrounding the loss in the 2015 presidential election, describing it as one of the most challenging and trying moments of his political career. This reflection took place during the inaugural Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, an event organized by Daar Communications in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Jonathan recounted the intense emotions he experienced upon hearing the election results, stating it felt as if the entire world had turned against him.[/b]
In the election, Jonathan represented the Peoples Democratic Party and faced off against Muhammadu Buhari from the All Progressives Congress, who garnered a total of 15,424,921 votes, defeating Jonathan’s tally of 12,853,162. This election was particularly significant, as it marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that an incumbent president lost a re-election bid, showcasing a shift in the political landscape.[/p>
With a reflective smile, Jonathan shared the emotional struggle he faced during that period, acknowledging that the pain was difficult to articulate fully. He specifically noted the supportive role of Raymond Dokpesi, the Chairman of Daar Communications, who reached out to him prior to the official handover of power to Buhari. Jonathan remarked, “It is not easy to lose an election as a president. You will think the whole world is against you.”[/p>
He reminisced about his conversation with Dokpesi, who, despite the circumstances, offered him words of encouragement. “I remember what he said to me when I lost the election,” Jonathan recalled, emphasizing the impact that simple act of kindness had on him during such a tumultuous time.
Jonathan highlighted the numerous senior statesmen who spoke to him during his period of grief and reflection. However, he indicated that it was Dokpesi’s congratulatory message, combined with encouragement to move beyond the election, that resonated with him the most deeply. “There were so many senior Nigerians (elder statesmen) who spoke. After I listened to all the conversations, he congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election. This is how I commemorated that session,” Jonathan shared, expressing gratitude for the support he received.
He continued to express how that communication gave him hope, aiding him not just in navigating the transition ahead of him but also enriching his spiritual life as he adjusted to being a private citizen once more. “If you read my book, My Transition Hours, I explain it more elaborately,” he added, suggesting that his experiences have had lasting effects on his perspective and approach to life post-presidency.