Jonathan Alleges Obama Interfered in 2015 Election

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has accused former U.S. President Barack Obama of interfering in Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election. In his newly released book, *My Transition Hours*, Jonathan claims that Obama displayed bias during the campaign, describing his actions as “overbearing” and “condescending.” Jonathan points to a video message Obama released on March 23, 2015, in which the U.S. leader addressed Nigerians and urged them to “open the next chapter” by voting in the general election. Jonathan interprets the message as a subtle endorsement of the opposition, suggesting that Obama was encouraging voters to choose a new government. He criticizes Obama’s tone as condescending, implying that Nigerians needed guidance on how to vote.

Jonathan also expresses disappointment with the U.S. government’s stance on the election, particularly regarding the Boko Haram insurgency. He alleges that the United States was reluctant to support Nigeria’s efforts to drive militants out of occupied territories, a move that could have created safer voting conditions. Additionally, Jonathan criticizes former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for being nonchalant toward Nigeria’s concerns, despite attempts to explain the reasons behind the election’s postponement.

The 2015 presidential election marked a turning point in Nigerian history, as Jonathan became the first incumbent president to lose a re‑election bid. He had assumed office in 2010 after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and won a full term in 2011. The election’s outcome led to the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been in office since 2015. Jonathan’s allegations against Obama and the U.S. government have attracted international attention, highlighting the complexities of international relations and election interference.

*My Transition Hours* offers a unique perspective on the events surrounding the 2015 election and is expected to generate further discussion. With the book’s release, Jonathan’s account of the election period is now public, providing insights into the experiences of a former head of state and the challenges of navigating international diplomacy during a critical moment in Nigerian history.