Peter Obi Hosts Jonathan Over Sunhak Peace Prize

By Charles Igbo

Mr Peter Obi, a two-time Governor of Anambra State, and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, on Easter Sunday, did what he rarely does. He hosted former President Goodluck Jonathan to a Cocktail Reception.

It was to honour the former President whose profile, internationally, has risen astronomically since he left office in 2015 fir making Nigeria and Africa proud internationally.

Jonathan has been applauded, especially, by the international community  for acting, much unlike most African Presidents, when he handed over power to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 after he lost a second term reelection, mainly to sabotage.

But it is that peaceful handover of power that exposed the essential Jonathan to the World. Since he left office, he has been busy, not just with his Foundation through which he has made several positive interventions, but with international assignments.

Recently, he was found worthy to be awarded the prestigious Sunhak Peace Prize. And on Sunday, Obi decided that for winning the award, Jonathan deserved to be celebrated and projected as an example of what a leader should be.

In a post on his X page, Obi disclosed why he hosted Jonathan, who was accompanied by his loving wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, to a Cocktail Reception.

Obi: “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.”