Former President of Ghana, John Mahama, says ex-President Goodluck Jonathan is more of an academic who found himself in politics.
He said this at the public presentation and formal launching of a book title “My Transition Hours” by Jonathan that “I was not surprised when Jonathan conceded defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015”.
Mahama said Jonathan approached leadership in a relaxed manner and that was why he left a good legacy worthy of emulation by all leaders in Africa.
The former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, said Nigeria was not at war today because of the decision by Jonathan to concede defeat during the 2015 general elections.
”We cannot thank you enough for the peace we are having in the country today; for the peaceful transition we had when you freely and voluntarily conceded defeat. By your decision, you have shown that you love your country more than you love power,” he said.
The Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said Nigeria was fortunate to have a selfless leader like the former President.
He said that the decision of Jonathan to concede defeat in 2015 had helped to consolidate democracy not only in Nigeria but on the African continent.
Abubakar also said that Nigerians and Africans would continue to remain grateful to Jonathan for upholding national interest at the expense of his personal interest.
The book was authored by the ex-president to recount his last moment of decision to concede power to President Buhari, congratulating him on the victory even when collation of results were still ongoing in 2015 presidential election.