National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, has credited former President Goodluck Jonathan’s concession of the 2015 presidential election with helping to preserve Nigeria’s democracy and prevent a major political crisis.
Usman made the assertion on Tuesday in Bauchi while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue, organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
She said Jonathan’s decision to concede defeat before the final results were fully collated demonstrated his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power and helped avert the violent crisis many had feared after the election.
According to Usman, Jonathan had consistently maintained during his presidency that neither winning an election nor remaining in office was worth the life of any Nigerian.
She said the former president proved the sincerity of that position when he accepted the outcome of the 2015 election despite the intense political contest surrounding it.
The Labour Party chairman urged politicians preparing for the 2027 general elections to respect democratic rules and avoid inflammatory statements or actions capable of undermining peace and national stability.
She also referenced the popular Warren Buffett analogy that people enjoying shade today do so because someone planted a tree in the past, stressing that Nigerians should appreciate the sacrifices made by previous leaders to protect the country’s democratic journey.
Usman challenged politicians seeking the presidency in 2027 to demonstrate a similar willingness to place national interest above personal ambition.
Labour Party Ready for 2027
On the Labour Party’s preparedness for the 2027 elections, Usman described the party as the most structured opposition political platform in the country.
She cited the party’s relationship with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress as part of its organisational strength, arguing that the partnership gives the party a broad grassroots network.
Usman also urged political groups considering a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections to join forces under the Labour Party, which she described as the opposition platform with a strong presence across polling units nationwide.
Dialogue on African Democracy
The 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue was held in Bauchi under the theme, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”
The event attracted former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, APC Deputy National Chairman, South, Dr Ben Nwoye, and the Emir of Bauchi, HRM Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, CFR.
The dialogue focused on the future of democracy in Africa, the role of political parties and the judiciary, and measures to strengthen democratic institutions beyond periodic elections.
