Witness History

Goodluck Jonathan’s phone call that changed Nigeria

Mar 25, 2025

Joined by Ruben Abati, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, listeners explore a transformative moment in Nigeria's political history. Ruben shares insights on Jonathan's groundbreaking phone call to Muhammadu Buhari, congratulating him after the 2015 election. This pivotal act marked the first peaceful transition of power in Nigeria, showcasing resilience in a nation often marred by electoral violence. The discussion highlights the significance of prioritizing peace and national unity in times of political turmoil.

10:44

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Episode guests

Ruben Abati

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Quick takeaways

Goodluck Jonathan's historic concession of defeat in 2015 marked a transformative moment for Nigeria's democratic governance and political stability.

The 2015 election showcased a shift from previous electoral violence and fraud, highlighting Jonathan's commitment to national unity over personal ambition.

Deep dives

Historic Election Concession

The podcast delves into the pivotal moment when Good Luck Jonathan became the first Nigerian president to concede defeat in an election, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. On March 31, 2015, the election results indicated that Jonathan's opponent, Muhammadu Buhari, was leading by a substantial margin. Instead of resisting the outcome and risking chaos, Jonathan emphasized the importance of national stability and unity over personal ambition. This decision ultimately set a precedent for democratic governance in Nigeria, as he proceeded to congratulate Buhari in a historic phone call, highlighting the transition of power as a symbol of progress.

Intro

5min

A Historic Call for Peace Amidst Election Turmoil

3min

A Historic Phone Call: Transitioning Power in Nigeria

2min

A Defining Moment of Concession in Nigerian Politics

3min

In 2015 Goodluck Jonathan became the first Nigerian president to concede election defeat. It allowed the transfer of power to the opposition party in Africa's biggest democracy - a country that had hitherto experienced vote-rigging and violence.

His special adviser on media and publicity Dr Reuben Abati tells Josephine McDermott about the moment when the president phoned his opponent Muhammadu Bahari to congratulate him on winning the election.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

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(Photo: President Goodluck Jonathan and Gen Muhammadu Buhari before the 2015 election. Credit: Getty Images)

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Witness History

Goodluck Jonathan’s phone call that changed Nigeria

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Historic Election Concession

Challenges of Democratic Elections

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts