Former President Goodluck Jonathan has made a strong statement on leadership accountability, asserting that any leader who fails to perform must be voted out of office. The ex-president, who lost his re-election bid in 2015, is reportedly contemplating a possible presidential run in 2027, potentially challenging the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Jonathan made the remarks while speaking at the 2025 edition of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue held in Accra, Ghana. He used the platform to highlight the challenges facing African democracies and to emphasize the critical role of accountable leadership in sustaining democratic governance across the continent.
Democracy Under Strain
Addressing attendees, Jonathan warned that democracy in Africa is under significant pressure and stressed that electoral manipulation is one of the gravest threats to good governance. He stated:
“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. Leaders manipulate systems to stay in power, undermining the will of the people and eroding trust in democratic institutions.”
He added that proper elections are key to ensuring that non-performing leaders are held accountable. “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,” Jonathan said, underlining the need for systemic reforms in electoral processes across African nations.
Jonathan also highlighted the critical expectations of citizens from their governments. He emphasized that failing to meet these needs results in disillusionment and disengagement from civic life. “Our people want to enjoy their freedoms. They want their votes to count during elections. They want equitable representation and inclusivity. They want access to quality education, security, healthcare, and employment. They want dignity. When leaders fail to meet these basic needs, the people become disillusioned and lose trust in governance,” he added.
Youth Participation and Guidance
Beyond addressing systemic issues, Jonathan praised the increasing involvement of young people in governance and civic engagement. He noted that youth participation is essential for sustainable development but stressed that young leaders require guidance and mentorship from experienced elders to navigate challenges effectively.
He also underscored the importance of building robust systems that guarantee a brighter future for the next generation while respecting citizens’ voices and ensuring their active participation in governance. Jonathan urged African nations to create frameworks where accountability, transparency, and inclusivity are central pillars of leadership, reinforcing the principle that leaders who fail the people should never remain in power indefinitely.
The former president’s remarks have sparked discussions on social media and political forums across Africa, highlighting the urgency of electoral reforms and the need for leaders to prioritize citizens’ welfare over personal ambition.