Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stressed that any leader who fails to perform should be voted out of office if elections are conducted properly and reflect the will of the people.
Jonathan described electoral manipulation as one of the gravest threats to democracy in Africa, warning that unless urgent reforms are carried out, the democratic system on the continent risks collapse. He made this known at the 2025 edition of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue, held in Accra, Ghana.
In a statement released by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s Communications Officer, Wealth Dickson Ominabo, the former President cautioned that when democracy fails to meet the needs of citizens, it creates desperation, which in turn can open the door to authoritarian rule.
According to him, leaders must commit to building a form of democracy that secures a better future for the younger generation, where their voices are heard and their choices respected.
“Democracy in Africa is going through a period of strain and may collapse unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform it. One of the biggest challenges is electoral manipulation. Too often, people bend the system to remain in power by all means,” Jonathan said.
“If we had proper elections, leaders who fail to deliver would naturally be voted out. But in many cases, the system is rigged to keep them in office, even when the people clearly want change. What Africans want is simple—freedom, fair representation, inclusivity, good schools, security, access to healthcare, jobs, and dignity. When leaders fail to meet these basic needs, the people lose hope.”
Jonathan also highlighted the growing involvement of young people in governance, describing it as a positive trend. However, he noted that for youth participation to succeed, there must be guidance from older generations who can share wisdom and experience.
Other African leaders at the event echoed similar concerns. Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, emphasized that democracy cannot survive without accountability. He insisted that Africans must work collectively to reset governance in a way that ensures transparency and development.
“Democracy will not survive if we don’t work for it. Citizens are tired of corruption, poor governance, and lack of opportunities. To renew democracy, we must strengthen institutions, deliver development, protect civic spaces, and allow the press to thrive. A free press is democracy’s immune system. It dies when leaders abandon integrity and when citizens lose faith. But it can be revived when people rise to defend it,” Mahama stated.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the session, also warned that Africa’s current democratic practice is unsustainable and must be urgently reformed.
The event brought together prominent voices, including the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, among others. Collectively, they stressed that for democracy in Africa to remain relevant, it must go beyond elections and be anchored on accountability, service, and discipline.
