Former President Goodluck Jonathan shared the personal toll of his defeat in the 2015 presidential election, describing it as one of the toughest experiences of his political career. Speaking on Friday at the first Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja, Jonathan recalled the fatherly guidance provided by Raymond Dokpesi, founder of Daar Communications, before he formally handed over power to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
During the event, organized by Daar Communications in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Jonathan spoke openly about his defeat in the 2015 election, where he ran as the Peoples Democratic Party candidate and lost to Buhari, who represented the All Progressives Congress.
Reflecting on the transition, Jonathan said, “Losing an election as a sitting president is not easy. It feels like the world is against you. However, Dokpesi invited me before I officially handed over and offered words of encouragement. He congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election, a gesture that gave me hope.”
Jonathan elaborated on the impact of Dokpesi’s words, mentioning that this exchange helped him come to terms with his transition, not just as a public figure but in his spiritual life as a private citizen. He noted, “This was a key part of my experience that I shared in my book, My Transition Hours.”
Addressing the audience, Minister of Information Idris Mohammed emphasized the importance of responsible communication. “Our respect for freedom of speech is unwavering. However, we must exercise this freedom responsibly to avoid crossing into a realm of negativity that could harm our collective future,” he stated, encouraging thoughtful dialogue about the nation’s progress.
The lecture, marking the first in a series of annual events dedicated to honoring Dokpesi, saw a gathering of media and political figures reflecting on his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic space.
