Former President Goodluck Jonathan shared insights into the emotional journey he faced following his defeat in Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election.
According to The PUNCH, Jonathan described the loss as one of the most challenging moments in his political career, expressing how it felt as though “the whole world was against him.”
Jonathan, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, lost the historic election to Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, who won with 15,424,921 votes to Jonathan’s 12,853,162.
It marked the first time an incumbent president had lost re-election in Nigeria, and Jonathan admitted the result was deeply impactful.
Addressing the audience, he explained, “It is not easy to lose an election as a president. You feel like the entire world is against you. But then, before I handed over, Dokpesi invited me for a conversation. His words encouraged me to look beyond the election,” he recounted with a smile.
The lecture was organized by Daar Communications and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in honor of late media mogul and Daar Communications founder, Raymond Dokpesi, whom Jonathan credited with playing a supportive, fatherly role in the difficult days of his transition.
“That conversation with Dokpesi provided a glimmer of hope for me—not only for the transition but also for my life as a private citizen,” Jonathan remarked.
He also encouraged attendees to read about his journey in his book, My Transition Hours, where he elaborates on his post-election experience.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Information Idris Mohammed urged the media and the public to exercise responsible use of free speech, highlighting the critical role that balanced reporting plays in building the nation.
Praising Dokpesi’s contributions to journalism and public service, Mohammed said, “We respect freedom of speech, but we urge that it be practiced responsibly. Focusing only on what isn’t working can overshadow the significant progress we have made as a nation.”
He emphasized that “the late Dokpesi’s legacy of nation-building is an example worth following for all media practitioners.”
Dokpesi, who passed away on May 29, 2023, left a legacy of dedication to media excellence and public service.
DAAR Communications Group Managing Director Tony Akiotu shared that Dokpesi had been unwell in the weeks preceding his death, which occurred following a gym accident.
