Jonathan proved power was not worth Nigerians’ blood in 2015 — LP

The Labour Party (LP) leadership has asserted that Nigeria's democracy endured the turmoil that ensued from the 2015 general election due to former President Goodluck Jonathan's decision to accept defeat in the best interests of the nation. National Chairman Nenadi Usman conveyed this sentiment during a 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi State, where she addressed journalists.

The event, themed "Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?" was organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

Usman urged politicians aiming for elected offices in 2027 to follow in Jonathan's non-violent footsteps and uphold democratic norms, cautioning against inflammatory language that could jeopardize the country's democratic stability. She pointed out that Nigeria defied expectations of potential democratic collapse in 2015 because Jonathan conceded defeat before the final results were fully announced, defying bookmakers' doomsday predictions.

Usman emphasized that Jonathan's consistent stance, from the start of his presidency, was that neither winning nor staying in power was worth the blood of any Nigerian. On the day his words were put to the test, he upheld his teachings.

The LP chairman called on 2027 election candidates to prioritize national interest over personal ambitions and follow the rules. She also referenced Warren Buffett's adage about someone being in the shade because someone planted a tree earlier, stating that the democracy Nigerians practice today has survived due to Jonathan's past sacrifices.

However, Usman questioned whether politicians vying for the presidency in 2027 would be willing to make such sacrifices for national unity, given the hostile rhetoric from certain political factions.

Regarding the Labour Party's readiness for 2027 elections, Usman described the party as the most organized opposition in the country, highlighting the strengthened relationship between the Labour Party, Nigeria Labour Congress, and Trade Union Congress, which she considered constitutional members. She claimed the party's nationwide presence through its links with 186,000 polling units positioned it to challenge the APC government effectively.

The dialogue featured prominent figures such as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. Other attendees included Peter Obi, Jonah Jang, and the Emir of Bauchi. The event aimed to explore the role of political parties and the judiciary in fortifying democratic institutions and averting democratic setbacks across Africa.