SHOCKING! Ex- President Jonathan Breaks Silence Reveals What Happened To Him After Losing 2015 Presidential Election To Buhari
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has spoken candidly about his experience as the first sitting Nigerian president to lose a re- election bid, describing it as the most challenging period of his political career. Jonathan, who contested under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general election. He shared these reflections during the 1st Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, held in Abuja and organized by Daar Communications in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Recalling the election that marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’ s political history, Jonathan revealed the emotional toll of his loss. ” It is not easy to lose an election as a president, ” he admitted. ” You feel as though the whole world is against you. ”
In the closely contested election, Jonathan secured 12, 853, 162 votes but trailed behind Buhari, who garnered 15, 424, 921 votes to win the presidency. The loss ended PDP’ s 16- year rule and ushered in a new administration under Buhari. For Jonathan, the defeat marked not only the end of his tenure but also the beginning of a period of profound emotional struggle.
Speaking at the lecture, a visibly relaxed Jonathan shared that he felt isolated in the aftermath of the election. ” I passed through inexplicable emotional turmoil, ” he said, adding that the sense of abandonment was overwhelming. During that difficult period, he found solace in the support of Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, the late Chairman of Daar Communications, who provided him with crucial encouragement.
” Our respect for freedom of speech is sacrosanct, even as we encourage responsibility in exercising this freedom, ” Mohammed said. He urged Nigerians to use their voices constructively, warning against excessive negativity. ” We must avoid a scenario where reckless negativity becomes a self- fulfilling prophecy, ” he cautioned.
Mohammed further highlighted the importance of recognizing the nation’ s progress despite current challenges. ” Focusing solely on what is not working without acknowledging our successes would be a serious mistake, ” he noted. ” As a nation, we are getting many things right, even in these trying times. ”
The lecture, which celebrated the legacy of the late Raymond Dokpesi, provided an opportunity for reflection on leadership, media freedom, and national development. The event underscored the need for unity, optimism, and responsible communication in building a better Nigeria.
Jonathan’ s reflections and the tributes to Dokpesi serve as reminders of the personal and political challenges that accompany leadership transitions. As Nigeria continues to navigate complex political dynamics, the former president’ s message resonates as a call for resilience, hope, and constructive engagement.
