The democratic credentials of former President Goodluck Jonathan have
received yet another boost with the Woodrow Wilson International
Center for Scholars in the United States recognizing him as the leader
that provided the best moments for democracy in Africa in 2015.
In its “The Year in Review” report for 2015, the Center highlighted
Nigeria’s 2015 elections and praised Jonathan’s classy role in
ensuring a smooth transfer of power in Nigeria which “became a big
confidence boost for Africa’s mass movements for democracy.”
A release issued by Mr Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan’s media aide stated
that the assessment was contained in two perspectives on elections and
implications for Africa and U.S.-Africa relations presented Mr. Nii
Akuetteh, democracy activist and the current Executive Director of the
African Immigrants Caucus (AIC), and Mr. Olusegun Sotola, Senior
Researcher with the think tank, Initiative for Public Policy Analysis
(IPPA).
Mr. Akuetteh’s praised Jonathan for the position he took against
violence and commended for saving the day by conceding to his
challenger President Muhammadu Buhari and pledging a smooth handover
of power.
He stated: “Unquestionably, Nigeria’s recent embrace of democracy and
Jonathan’s classy role define Africa’s most important—and
uplifting—story of 2015. Africa and the world should give thanks.”
On his part, Olusegun Sotola described the 2015 election as a
significant milestone in the country’s democracy, signposting several
emerging positive trends in Africa. “Nigeria’s stature in the region,
the willingness of the incumbent to concede power and not manipulate
the process matters a great deal,” said Sotalo.
Sotola further narrated how African leaders were known for attempting
to manipulate the electoral process to lengthen their stay in office.
“The electoral histories of African countries are replete with
post-election violence caused by the unwillingness of the ruling party
or the incumbent to relinquish power.”
Both Akuetteh and Sotola agreed that former President Jonathan’s
handling of the election helped eliminate the possibility looming
havoc in the country.
Annually, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars reviews
critical and monumental events that happened on the continent of
Africa in their “The Year in Review” report. In the United States, the
Woodrow Wilson Center serves as a key non-partisan policy forum for
tackling global issues through independent research and an open
dialogue to inform actionable ideas for the policy community.