Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
A social media user has sparked renewed public debate after describing former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan as the “weakest man in history,” in reference to his decision to concede defeat in Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election. In a strongly worded post circulating online, the user wrote: “The weakest man in history. And I am not talking about the election and how he conceded even before the whole results were collated. Weak man!Very selfish, you saved yourself and left millions of vulnerable Nigerians to these demonic and heartless beasts called APC. ”The remarks have reignited conversations about Jonathan’s historic concession to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2015 general elections — a moment widely regarded as a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.A Defining Moment in Nigeria’s Democratic HistoryIn March 2015, Jonathan, then candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), conceded defeat to Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the final collation of results was completed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His phone call to Buhari acknowledging the outcome was widely praised both domestically and internationally as a demonstration of statesmanship.Major global and local media organizations — including BBC News, Al Jazeera, Reuters, and The Guardian Nigeria — reported extensively at the time that Jonathan’s concession helped prevent potential post-election violence in Africa’s most populous nation.Political analysts have frequently cited the gesture as a stabilizing factor in a tense electoral climate, particularly given Nigeria’s history of post-election unrest, including the violence that followed the 2011 polls. Diverging public sentiments however, more than a decade later, opinions remain divided. Supporters of the former president argue that his concession strengthened Nigeria’s democratic credentials and earned the country international respect. They contend that peaceful transfers of power are critical to democratic consolidation across Africa. Critics, on the other hand, believe Jonathan’s early concession symbolized political retreat rather than resilience. Some argue that his administration could have pursued all legal and electoral avenues before formally accepting defeat. The recent social media outburst reflects this lingering polarization, as citizens continue to assess the long-term political and economic trajectory of the country since the 2015 transition. Broader political context the 2015 election marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that an incumbent president lost re-election and peacefully transferred power to an opposition candidate. That milestone remains a reference point in discussions about democratic governance in West Africa. While Jonathan has since maintained a relatively low domestic political profile, he has remained active in regional diplomacy and election observation efforts across the continent. The resurfacing of criticism underscores the enduring emotional and political weight of the 2015 elections in Nigeria’s public consciousness — particularly amid ongoing debates about governance, economic reforms, and security challenges. As social media continues to amplify diverse political opinions, analysts caution that historical events are often revisited through the lens of present-day frustrations and expectations. Sources: BBC News; Al Jazeera; Reuters; The Guardian Nigeria.
Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.
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