Obi lauds Jonathan’s Sunhak Peace Prize

Abdullateef Fowewe

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Sunday eveningchaired a special cocktail reception in honour of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who was recently awarded the prestigious Sunhak Peace Prize.

Obi in a statement shared on X (formally Twitter) handle, described the gathering as “more than just an event,” noting that it marked a powerful recognition of Jonathan’s historic decision in 2015 to concede defeat after the general elections—an act he said “reshaped the course of Nigeria’s democracy.”

Obi commended Jonathan’s post-presidency as a model of statesmanship, lauding his active role in election observation, conflict mediation, and democratic advocacy.

He wrote, “This Easter Sunday evening, I had the distinct honour of chairing the cocktail reception held in celebration of the Sunhak Peace Prize awarded to former  President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. It was not merely an event. It was a moment of deep reflection and recognition of a statesman whose sacrifice, and singular act in 2015 reshaped the course of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“When President #GEJonathan conceded defeat after the 2015 general elections, standing on humanistic principles that ‘his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian’ he made a choice that few in power are willing to make. He chose peace over power, unity over personal ambition, and the future of Nigeria over the allure of office. That singular decision not only calmed a nation on edge but became a reference point for democratic maturity across Africa. It was a courageous, selfless act that restored faith in the ballot and inspired hope across the continent.

“Since leaving office, His Excellency has continued to build on that legacy—engaging in election observation, conflict mediation, and democratic advocacy across Africa and beyond. He has shown, time and again, that true leadership is not defined by how long one remains in office but by the positive impact one makes in and out of office. His post-presidency has been a model of statesmanship, service, and quiet diplomacy.

“If our current leaders could emulate even a fraction of President Jonathan’s humility and commitment to nationhood, Nigeria would be on a firmer path toward democratic consolidation, inclusive governance, and national development. Sadly, what we see today are leaders whose words proclaim democracy, but whose actions undermine its very essence through electoral malpractice, suppression of dissent, and prioritization of personal ambition over national interest.

“Democracy is not just about elections. It is about accountability, justice, and service to the people. We can not continue to preach democracy while silencing critics, undermining institutions, and treating the people’s will with contempt.

“President Goodluck Jonathan stands tall today because he matched his democratic rhetoric with action. He has become a symbol of democratic resilience and peaceful leadership. That is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs. That is the kind of legacy we must aspire to build—a leadership that prioritizes the people embraces peace, and upholds the sanctity of our democracy.

“As we celebrate him today, may we also challenge ourselves, especially those of us in public service, to walk the path of integrity, sacrifice, and service to the nation. Nigeria will rise when we begin to put the people first.”