ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan described the personal toll of losing the 2015 election to Muhammadu Buhari, sharing that it was one of the most challenging moments of his political career. Speaking at the inaugural Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja on Friday, Jonathan reflected on the emotional impact of his historic loss.
“It is not easy to lose an election as a president. You will think the whole world is against you,” Jonathan said, recalling his feelings after the results came in. Jonathan, who lost by over 2.5 million votes, admitted that learning of the outcome felt like an insurmountable moment.
He went on to express gratitude to the late Raymond Dokpesi, chairman of DAAR Communications, who extended support and advice following his defeat. Jonathan recalled, “Dokpesi invited me before I handed over. I remember what he said to me when I lost the election. He congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election. That communication gave me hope, not only for the transition ahead but also in my journey as a private citizen.” Jonathan added that he elaborated on this experience in his book, My Transition Hours.
The 2015 election marked the first time an incumbent president lost re-election in Nigeria, with Buhari, the candidate from the All Progressives Congress, polling 15,424,921 votes to Jonathan’s 12,853,162.
Minister of Information Idris Mohammed, also present at the lecture, praised Dokpesi’s role as a media pioneer and urged responsible use of free speech. “Our respect for freedom of speech is sacrosanct,” Mohammed said, “even as we continue to urge responsibility in the exercise of this freedom. The media has a vital role to play in strengthening public opinion responsibly.”
Dokpesi, who passed away in May, had been a significant figure in Nigerian media. According to DAAR Communications Group Managing Director Tony Akiotu, Dokpesi had been unwell for several weeks before his passing. He reportedly died after a fall during a treadmill workout.
Dokpesi’s legacy as a media mogul and his support of Nigerian democracy were honored throughout the lecture, with leaders calling for a continued commitment to balanced and constructive media practices in his memory.
