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

The Labour Party has asserted that Nigeria's democracy endured the turmoil that ensued after the 2015 presidential election due to former President Goodluck Jonathan's decision to concede defeat, according to the party's National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman. She made this statement while addressing journalists in Bauchi State during the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue.

This dialogue, themed "Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?", was organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. Usman emphasized the importance of politicians adopting Jonathan's non-violent approach to politics and respecting democratic norms, warning against rhetoric that could jeopardize the country's democratic stability.

She argued that Nigeria avoided the predicted collapse of democracy in 2015 because Jonathan conceded defeat to Muhammadu Buhari, even before the final results were officially announced. Usman highlighted that Jonathan's consistent messaging about his presidency being of no value to him, regardless of its outcome, set a unique precedent during his tenure.

She urged politicians preparing for the 2027 elections to prioritize national interests over personal ambitions and adhere to the rules of the game. Usman also revisited the famous quote by Warren Buffett about the value of past sacrifices, suggesting that the democracy Nigerians currently enjoy is a result of such sacrifices. She questioned, however, whether the politicians seeking the presidency in 2027 would be willing to make similar sacrifices for the sake of national unity, given the inflammatory rhetoric from some quarters.

Usman affirmed the Labour Party's readiness for the 2027 elections, stating it is the most structured opposition party in the country, thanks to its strong ties with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. She also noted that the party has a nationwide presence across all 186,000 polling units. The event drew several political figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, and other notable personalities.

It served as a platform to discuss the role of political parties and the judiciary in fortifying democratic institutions and averting democratic setbacks across Africa.