By Ayomide Otitoju
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said leaders who fail to perform should be voted out of office if credible elections are conducted.
Jonathan, who lost his re-election bid in 2015 and is reportedly eyeing a return to the presidential race in 2027, made the remarks at the 2025 edition of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana.
In a statement issued on Saturday by GJF Communications Officer, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, Jonathan described electoral manipulation as one of the greatest threats to democracy on the continent. He warned that when democratic systems fail to meet citizens’ expectations, frustration often creates room for authoritarianism.
“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,” Jonathan said.
He stressed the need for elections that reflect the will of the people, noting that credible polls would enable citizens to remove non-performing leaders from office. Jonathan added that Africans desire freedom, security, good education, healthcare, jobs, dignity, and inclusive governance—needs that must be met to sustain faith in democracy.
While noting encouraging levels of youth participation in politics, the former president said young leaders require mentorship from experienced elders to navigate governance successfully.
