Tinubu Showers Praise on Jonathan for Global Peace Award Despite Past Political Rivalry

In a surprising show of admiration, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former President Goodluck Jonathan for winning the prestigious 2025 Sunhak Peace Founders’ Award, despite their political history.

In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu acknowledged Jonathan’s global recognition for peace advocacy and democracy promotion. The president commended Jonathan’s role in fostering stability, particularly highlighting his historic concession of defeat in the 2015 presidential election—an election that ended Jonathan’s administration and brought the All Progressives Congress (APC) to power.

“Dr. Jonathan’s winning of the Sunhak Peace Award affirms his bold efforts in peacebuilding and promoting democracy in Africa and beyond,” Tinubu stated, praising his predecessor’s contributions to democratic growth.

However, the endorsement has sparked debates among political analysts, with some questioning whether Tinubu’s praise is a genuine recognition of Jonathan’s efforts or a strategic political move ahead of future alliances. Others argue that Tinubu’s party, the APC, had previously vilified Jonathan’s leadership, making this newfound admiration appear contradictory.

The development has reignited conversations about Jonathan’s legacy and his evolving relationship with the APC-led government, raising speculation about his potential role in Nigeria’s future political landscape.