Peter Obi Celebrates Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize Win in Seoul
Seoul, South Korea – April 12, 2025 – Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan was celebrated on the global stage as he received the prestigious 2025 Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday, April 11. The award, presented at the Crystal Ballroom of the Lotte Hotel World, recognizes Jonathan’s unwavering commitment to peace, democracy, and stability across Africa, a continent often challenged by political unrest and electoral violence. Prominent Nigerian politician Peter Obi joined the chorus of voices celebrating Jonathan’s achievement, highlighting the significance of the honor for Nigeria and the broader African continent.
The Sunhak Peace Prize, established by Hak Ja Han Moon, founder of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), honors individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to global peace, human development, conflict resolution, and ecological conservation. The biennial award, now in its sixth iteration, was chaired by José Manuel Durão Barroso, former President of the European Commission, who announced Jonathan as a laureate alongside three other recipients in a separate category. In her pre-event address, Hak Ja Han Moon emphasized that the laureates’ lives serve as “an inspiring testament to how peace can be achieved through concrete actions and cultural transformation.”
Jonathan’s recognition stems from his consistent mediation efforts and pro-democracy initiatives, particularly through the organizations he leads, such as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), and the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), where he has served as chairperson since 2019. His work has focused on fostering peace and good governance, addressing systemic issues like electoral credibility, and promoting dialogue to resolve conflicts across Africa.
A defining moment in Jonathan’s legacy came in 2015 when he became the first incumbent Nigerian president to concede defeat in a presidential election, losing to Muhammadu Buhari. This historic act allowed for a peaceful transition of power in Africa’s largest democracy, a country that had previously experienced vote-rigging and election-related violence. The move earned him widespread admiration and solidified his reputation as a peacemaker, a quality that the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee highlighted in their decision to honor him.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and a leading voice in Nigerian politics, took to X to extend his heartfelt congratulations to Jonathan. In a post shared on April 12, 2025, Obi wrote, “I want to warmly congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan on being honoured with the 2025 Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize in Seoul, South Korea. This prestigious recognition is a powerful affirmation of your tireless commitment to peace and democracy, not just in Nigeria, but across the African continent.” Obi further praised Jonathan’s courage, humility, and determination, noting that the award should inspire greater efforts toward Africa’s peaceful advancement and remind the world of Nigeria’s potential to produce leaders of integrity and impact.
Images shared by Obi on X captured the ceremony’s highlights, showing Jonathan at the podium delivering his acceptance speech, standing before a large Sunhak Peace Prize emblem, and later posing with fellow award recipients while holding the prize medal. The event, held against a backdrop of global attendees, underscored the international significance of Jonathan’s contributions.
Jonathan’s post-presidency journey has been marked by a dedication to peacebuilding. In 2020, he was appointed as a special envoy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to mediate during the Malian protests, further showcasing his role as a regional stabilizer. His advocacy for credible electoral processes has also been a cornerstone of his work, as seen in his 2019 address at the International Leadership Conference in Johannesburg, where he urged the African Union to set minimum standards for appointing electoral commission leaders to ensure fair and transparent elections.
The 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize ceremony not only celebrated Jonathan’s past achievements but also highlighted his ongoing influence in shaping a more peaceful Africa. As the continent continues to navigate complex political and social challenges, leaders like Jonathan, supported by voices like Peter Obi, serve as beacons of hope, demonstrating that peace and democracy can prevail even in the face of adversity.
