Losing 2015 Election Was a Tough Moment – Jonathan

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has described his defeat in the 2015 presidential election as one of the most challenging moments in his political career.

Jonathan, who shared his experience during the 1st Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja on Friday, said the loss felt overwhelming, as though “the whole world was against” him.

“It is not easy to lose an election as president. You will think the whole world is against you,” he remarked.

Jonathan contested the 2015 election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was defeated by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buhari secured 15,424,921 votes, while Jonathan polled 12,853,162 votes. The outcome marked the first time an incumbent president in Nigeria lost a re-election bid.

Reflecting on the aftermath of the election, Jonathan recalled a significant encounter with media mogul Raymond Dokpesi before handing over power.

“Dokpesi invited me before I handed over. I remember what he said to me when I lost the election.

There were many senior Nigerians who spoke. After listening to all the conversations, he congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election,” Jonathan stated.

He noted that Dokpesi’s words gave him hope, not just for the transition ahead but also for his personal growth and spiritual journey as a private citizen.

“If you read my book My Transition Hours, I explain it more elaborately,” Jonathan added, referring to his memoir, which provides deeper insights into his experiences during the transition period.