How Obama’s Message To Nigerians Influenced My Downfall, Jonathan Writes In His New Book ‘My Transition Hours’

 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has opened up on what he describes as foreign interference that shaped the outcome of Nigeria’s 2015 general elections. In his newly released memoir titled My Transition Hours, the former leader accuses former United States President Barack Obama of actively contributing to his electoral defeat through what he calls a deliberate display of bias and undue influence. The book, which officially launches on Tuesday in Abuja, provides a rare insider’s account of Jonathan’s reflections on his rise to power, his challenges in office, and the circumstances surrounding his historic loss to the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Jonathan recounts a moment that, according to him, revealed America’s subtle yet powerful role in Nigeria’s political direction. He recalls that on March 23, 2015, barely days before the elections, President Obama released a video message addressed directly to Nigerians. The short clip, which urged citizens to exercise their rights peacefully and choose the path to “the next chapter,” carried a tone that Jonathan interpreted as an endorsement of the opposition. “Those who understood subliminal communication knew exactly what he meant,” Jonathan writes. “It was clear he was urging Nigerians to vote for change, not continuity.”

The former president describes Obama’s tone as condescending, arguing that the American leader spoke as though Nigerians were incapable of making independent political decisions. According to him, the message ignored the complexities of Nigeria’s security and political realities at the time. “It was as if Nigerians needed an Obama to teach them democracy,” he stated. Jonathan insists that the United States, while preaching democratic values, was reluctant to assist Nigeria in addressing key security threats that could have ensured a fairer and safer electoral process.

One of the major grievances highlighted in the book revolves around Washington’s stance on Nigeria’s handling of the Boko Haram insurgency. Jonathan alleges that the U.S. government refused to support the Nigerian military’s efforts to reclaim territories seized by the extremist group. He argues that while Obama was publicly calling for credible elections, his administration was quietly obstructing Nigeria’s attempts to stabilize the North East before the polls. “They told us elections must hold on schedule, yet they offered no help to secure areas where citizens could not even vote,” Jonathan laments.

Beyond Obama, the former Nigerian leader also directs criticism at then U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry. Jonathan accuses Kerry of adopting a dismissive attitude towards the Nigerian government’s reasoning for postponing the elections earlier that year. The postponement, which was heavily criticized internationally, was justified by Jonathan’s administration as a necessary step to secure insurgent-held regions. However, according to him, Kerry’s reaction suggested that the United States believed it understood Nigeria’s priorities better than Nigerians themselves. “How can the U.S. Secretary of State claim to know what is best for Nigeria more than its own government?” Jonathan questions in the book.

The memoir further reflects on the pressures Jonathan’s administration faced both domestically and internationally in the lead-up to the elections. He maintains that his government’s decision to respect constitutional limits and transfer power peacefully was a demonstration of genuine democratic maturity, not weakness. Despite the defeat, he argues that his concession preserved Nigeria’s unity and international reputation. “Our constitution is clear; no president can extend his tenure beyond the legal date. My duty was to protect democracy, even at personal cost,” he writes.

Political observers note that this revelation adds a new layer to the historical narrative of the 2015 elections, which marked the first time a sitting Nigerian president lost re-election. Jonathan’s reflections offer insight into the complex interplay between global diplomacy and domestic politics during that crucial period. His claims about foreign interference are likely to reignite debates about the extent to which powerful nations shape political outcomes in developing democracies.

As My Transition Hours prepares for public release, its content has already sparked widespread attention. Premium Times, which obtained an advance copy, reported that Jonathan kept the book’s contents confidential to prevent leaks before the official unveiling. The former president’s revelations are expected to stir renewed discussion about Nigeria’s democratic evolution and the unseen forces that may have influenced its political trajectory.

Through this memoir, Jonathan appears determined to reclaim his own version of history, presenting his leadership years as both a lesson in humility and a cautionary tale about foreign intervention in sovereign affairs. Whether his allegations will reshape public perception of the 2015 elections remains to be seen, but one thing is certain; his account has reopened old wounds and revived questions about the true independence of Africa’s most populous democracy.