Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that credible and transparent elections are the essential mechanism for removing underperforming leaders from power in Africa.
Speaking at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Accra last Wednesday, the former leader issued a stark warning, stating that democracy across the continent is under significant strain and faces a risk of collapse unless key stakeholders collectively work to reform it.
Jonathan identified the manipulation of electoral processes as one of the most severe threats to governance in Africa. He urged a continent-wide introspection, arguing that African nations must develop democratic models that are tailored to their unique contexts and effectively serve their citizens.
"A major challenge we face is within our electoral systems," Jonathan stated. "Individuals often manipulate the process by any means necessary to cling to power, even when they have lost the support of the populace."
He emphasized that in a functional system, a non-performing leader would be voted out of office, but that current flaws allow leaders to perpetuate their tenure against the will of the people.
Outlining the fundamental desires of citizens, Jonathan noted that people demand freedom, for their votes to count, and for equitable representation. Beyond political rights, they also seek tangible benefits such as quality education, security, access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and dignity.
The former president concluded that when leadership consistently fails to deliver on these basic needs, it leads to widespread public disillusionment with the democratic process itself.
0 Comments