Ambassador Simeon Uwah, Executive Secretary of the Supreme International Peace Commission, highlighted the major sacrifices of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s acceptance of the defeat in the 2015 general election.
UWAH describes Jonathan’s choice as a critical moment in Africa’s democratic development.
Naija News Recalling that in the 2015 general election, Jonathan admitted to former President Muhammadu Buhari in a competitive match that made history.
This extraordinary gesture surprised Nigerians and attracted global attention.
In a press conference at UYO on Monday, marking the 10th anniversary of the event, UWAH reiterated that Jonathan’s commitment to peaceful power transfer is an important lesson for African leaders who choose to uphold power rather than promote peace during times of crisis.
He said: “March 31, 2015, just 10 years ago today, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan made history by defeating Muhammadu Buhari after a competitive presidential election.” “In an era where political leaders around Africa often resorted to violence, election disputes or unconstitutional actions to take power, Jonathan’s concessions were one of the clearest moments in the maturity of democracy in Africa. It was a turning point, a turning point, and Nigeria’s democracy swept bright colors.”
UWAH further noted that Jonathan now congratulates Buhari on his famous phone call, which is more than just a cordial recognition of the election results.
This is a deliberate commitment to peace, democracy and national stability.
“The phone he called Buhari was not only a sporting gesture, but a purposeful step to ensure peace. This single action helped to avoid post-election violence, saved countless lives and strengthened Nigeria’s democratic position on the global stage,” Married Added.
He stressed that Jonathan’s decision should be a model for Africa, especially as the continent continues to face a political crisis.
“As Africa responded to military coups, controversial elections, democratic backlash and rule over authoritarian regimes, Jonathan’s approach remains a key blueprint for democratic governance and reform,” Uwah said. “With the rise of political instability across the continent in Sudan to Sudan and Gabon to Burkina Faso, it is inevitable that it is not only optional to establish patriotic and democratic leadership. If this direction is not followed, Africa may face greater challenges facing the face.”
UWAH recommends using Jonathan’s exemplary peace concession as a case study on governance and leadership training for African leaders.
He urged the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States to formally adopt the peaceful transfer of power and leadership transformation as democratic norms to protect democracy on the continent from potential failures.
UWAH stressed that political transition should be characterized by collaboration rather than conflict.
He stressed the need for future leaders to prioritize the two-party system and national reconciliation as basic governance principles.
At the end, he recalls Jonathan’s poignant statement from that moment: “My ambition is not worthy of the blood of the Nigerians.”
UWAH encourages African leaders to adopt this view, not just in words, but in their actions, to push forward.
