Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has emphasized that leaders who fail to deliver should be voted out—but only if elections are free and credible. He cautioned that electoral manipulation remains one of the most serious threats to democracy in Africa.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, Jonathan warned that the continent’s democratic systems are under growing pressure and risk collapse unless urgently reformed.
“Democracy in Africa is under strain and risks collapsing unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform it,” Jonathan said. “Electoral manipulation remains one of the biggest threats. If elections were properly conducted, leaders who don’t perform would be voted out. But instead, many use the system to stay in power even when the people no longer want them.”
Jonathan stressed that African citizens expect more than just elections—they want leaders who guarantee freedoms and meet basic needs.
“Our people want their freedoms, they want their votes to count, equitable representation, good education, security, healthcare, jobs, and dignity,” he said. “When leaders fail to provide these, the people grow disillusioned.”
While acknowledging the growing involvement of young people in politics, Jonathan said youth still need the mentorship and wisdom of older generations to lead effectively.
The dialogue also featured remarks from Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama, who called for a “democratic reset” to restore trust and accountability.
“Democracy cannot survive if we don’t actively work for it,” Mahama said. “Citizens are tired of corruption, misgovernance, and a lack of opportunities. A reset in governance and accountability is urgently needed.”
He also underscored the importance of strong institutions, quality education, development, and a free press:
“A free press is democracy’s immune system. Democracy dies when leaders abandon integrity and institutions are captured. But it can be renewed when citizens rise to defend it.”
Olusegun Obasanjo, another former Nigerian president and chair of the event, echoed these concerns, warning that Africa’s democratic model is unsustainable in its current form.
“Democracy must go beyond periodic elections. It must reflect accountability, service, and discipline,” Obasanjo said.
Also present were Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese. The gathering of high-profile African leaders and policymakers agreed that for democracy to endure on the continent, political systems must deliver peace, development, and inclusive governance.
