National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Nenadi Usman, has credited former President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat in the 2015 presidential election with helping to preserve Nigeria’s democracy.
Usman made the remarks on Monday while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue held in Bauchi.
She said Jonathan’s decision to accept the election outcome before the final results were completely announced prevented what could have been a serious political crisis and helped protect the country’s democratic process.
According to her, the former President’s decision was particularly significant because of the dire predictions surrounding Nigeria’s political future at the time.
Usman described Jonathan’s concession as an exceptional demonstration of political maturity and statesmanship, noting that it reflected his long-standing position that political power should never be pursued at the expense of human lives.
She recalled that Jonathan had repeatedly maintained during his presidency that neither winning an election nor remaining in office was worth the blood of any Nigerian.
The LP chairman said he proved the sincerity of that position by peacefully accepting defeat after the 2015 presidential election.
She urged politicians seeking elective positions, particularly those preparing for the 2027 general elections, to emulate Jonathan’s commitment to peaceful politics and place national interest above personal ambition.
Quoting billionaire investor Warren Buffett, Usman said: “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
She added that Nigerians were enjoying the benefits of the democratic process today partly because of the sacrifices made by Jonathan in 2015.
Usman, however, expressed concern over what she described as increasingly inflammatory political rhetoric from various political camps ahead of the 2027 elections.
She questioned whether the current crop of presidential aspirants would be prepared to make similar sacrifices for the country if faced with a difficult electoral situation.
LP confident of opposition strength
Speaking on the Labour Party’s chances in the next general elections, Usman described the party as the most organised opposition platform in the country.
She argued that the Labour Party’s relationship with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which she said are constitutional members of the party, gives it significant organisational strength.
According to her, the Labour Party is well positioned to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls.
Usman also called on opposition parties contemplating a political coalition to consider merging their structures with the Labour Party.
The 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue was held under the theme, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”
The event brought together prominent political figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former President and founder of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Goodluck Jonathan; former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; and former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim.
Also in attendance were former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang; APC Deputy National Chairman, South, Dr Ben Nwoye; and the Emir of Bauchi, HRM Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu.
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