Ambassador Simeon Uwah, the Executive Secretary of the International Supreme Council for Peace Africa, has praised former President Goodluck Jonathan for his historic decision to concede defeat in the 2015 Nigerian general elections. Uwah described this act as one of Africa’s most significant demonstrations of democratic maturity.
In the 2015 election, Jonathan made a landmark move by conceding to former President Muhammadu Buhari in a highly contested race, a gesture that shocked many and drew global attention. Speaking to reporters in Uyo on Monday, exactly 10 years after the event, Uwah emphasized that Jonathan’s peaceful transition of power stands as a vital lesson for African leaders who often prioritize holding onto power over promoting peace.
“On March 31, 2015, exactly 10 years ago, former President Jonathan made history by conceding defeat to Buhari after a fiercely contested election,” Uwah said. “In a time when many African leaders resort to violence or unconstitutional methods to retain power, Jonathan’s action marked a defining moment for Africa’s democratic growth and gave Nigeria’s democracy a bright future.”
Uwah further highlighted that Jonathan’s phone call to Buhari, congratulating him on his victory, was not just a gracious gesture but a key commitment to peace and national stability. “That phone call was more than sportsmanship; it was a deliberate act to ensure peace, prevent violence, save lives, and bolster Nigeria’s global democratic reputation,” he said.
Uwah stressed that Jonathan’s decision should serve as a model for other African nations dealing with political instability. He pointed out that, as Africa faces military coups, contested elections, and growing authoritarianism, Jonathan’s example remains a crucial guide for democratic reforms.
“As political instability rises across Africa, from Guinea to Sudan and Burkina Faso, democratic and patriotic leadership is critical,” Uwah warned. “If Africa doesn’t embrace this model, it risks facing even greater challenges.”
He called for Jonathan’s peaceful concession to be studied in governance and leadership training, urging the African Union and ECOWAS to institutionalize peaceful transitions as democratic standards to protect the continent’s future.
“Political transitions should be collaborative, not adversarial,” Uwah concluded. “Future leaders must embrace bipartisanship and national unity. Jonathan’s words—‘My ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian’—should be the guiding principle for all African leaders moving forward.”