Jonathan: How Could The U.S. Expect Elections When Boko Haram Controlled Parts Of The North East?

SportifypostNov 3, 2025Read original

According to a report by Punch on Monday, November 3, 2025, Former President Goodluck Jonathan has questioned the role played by the United States during Nigeria’s 2015 general elections, criticizing the stance of then-U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry. Jonathan accused Kerry of being indifferent to the realities Nigeria faced at the time, especially the severe security challenges in the North-East caused by Boko Haram insurgents.

In his new book, My Transition Hours, scheduled for launch on Tuesday, Jonathan expressed disbelief at what he described as the U.S. government’s interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. “How can the U.S. Secretary of State know what is more important for Nigeria than Nigeria’s own government?” he asked. “How could they have expected us to conduct elections when Boko Haram controlled part of the North-East and were killing and maiming Nigerians?”

Jonathan explained that the 2015 elections were postponed to ensure the safety of Nigerians and the credibility of the electoral process, noting that vast portions of the North-East were under the control of insurgents at the time. According to him, the federal government’s decision to reschedule the polls was not politically motivated but rather a necessary step to guarantee security and order.

He also revealed that despite several attempts to explain the situation to international stakeholders, including the U.S., they remained skeptical and critical of his administration’s motives. “Not even the assurance of the sanctity of the May 29, 2015, handover date could calm them down,” Jonathan said, stressing that his administration never intended to extend his tenure.

“In Nigeria, the Constitution is very clear — no President can extend his tenure by one day,” he added, dismissing claims that he planned to manipulate the electoral calendar for political advantage.

The former president’s remarks offer fresh insight into the diplomatic tensions that surrounded Nigeria’s 2015 elections, which eventually ushered in President Muhammadu Buhari after Jonathan conceded defeat. His account underscores his long-held view that some foreign governments failed to appreciate the complexities of Nigeria’s security landscape at the time.

Through My Transition Hours, Jonathan aims to present his side of the story, detailing the pressures, challenges, and decisions that defined his administration’s final days. The revelations are expected to reignite debate about the 2015 elections and the broader influence of international actors on Nigeria’s democratic process.