Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that any leader who fails to perform must be voted out of office.
The former president, who lost his re-election bid in 2015, is reportedly considering a presidential run in 2027 against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, Jonathan warned that democracy in Africa is under strain and electoral manipulation is one of the greatest threats to good governance.
Democracy Under Strain
Jonathan emphasized the need for reform and accountability in African democracies. He said:
“Democracy in Africa is going through a period of strain and risks collapse unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform it. Electoral manipulation remains one of the biggest threats in Africa.
“We in Africa must begin to look at our democracy and rethink it in a way that works well for us and our people. One of the problems is our electoral system. People manipulate the process to remain in power by all means.
“If we had proper elections, a leader who fails to perform would be voted out. But in our case, people use the system to perpetuate themselves even when the people don’t want them.”
He also highlighted the needs and expectations of citizens, stressing that failing to meet these creates disillusionment.
“Our people want to enjoy their freedoms. They want their votes to count during elections. They want equitable representation and inclusivity. They want good education. Our people want security. They want access to good healthcare. They want jobs. They want dignity. When leaders fail to meet these basic needs, the people become disillusioned,” the ex-president added.
Youth Participation and Guidance
Jonathan also praised the growing involvement of young people in governance but noted that youth leaders need guidance from experienced elders to succeed.
He stressed the importance of building a system that guarantees a bright future for the next generation and respects citizens’ voices.