Perception of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's Conceding Speech after 2015 Presidential Elections Implication for Democracy in Nigeria

Abstract

During the 2015 presidential election, tension was very high as to who becomes the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This was because of the sit-tight syndrome that characterizes African democracy. Sit-tight approach to leadership has caused wars and revolutions in many African countries. However, the reverse was the case with the former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who conceded defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari and affirmed in his speech that ‘nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.' This paper is an appraisal of former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan conceding speech. Survey method was used and the work was anchored on Speech-Act Theory. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Some of the findings revealed that the speech was predicated on his philosophy that nobody's ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian and that the perceived objective was achieved. The study recommended that our leaders should imitate the spirit of democracy shown by Goodluck Jonathan.