If we conduct proper elections, non-performing leaders would be voted out – Jonathan

Former president Goodluck Jonathan says credible elections would remove non-performing leaders from office.

Jonathan spoke on Wednesday at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) democracy dialogue in Accra, Ghana.

He warned that when democracy fails to meet people’s expectations, it can breed desperation and pave the way for authoritarianism.

The ex-Bayelsa governor added that leaders must embrace democracy that secures a better future for children and ensures their voices are heard.

“Democracy in the African continent is going through a period of strain and risk of collapse unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform it. Electoral manipulation remains one of the biggest threats in Africa,” Jonathan said.

“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.

“Our people want to enjoy their freedom. They want their votes to count during elections. They want equitable representation and inclusivity.

“They want a good education. Our people want security, access to good healthcare, jobs, and dignity. When leaders fail to meet these basic needs, the people become disillusioned.”

Also speaking, Ghana President John Mahama said democracy cannot endure unless Africans actively protect and strengthen it.

He cautioned that weak institutions, elite state capture, exclusion, poor leadership, and external interference continue to erode public trust in democracy.

“Democracy will not survive if we don’t work for it. We need a reset of democracy and governance to ensure accountability,” he said.

“Anybody who wants to serve must be accountable to the people. Our citizens are tired of corruption, misgovernance, and lack of opportunities.

“To renew democracy, we must strengthen institutions, deliver development, and educate our citizens. We must protect the media and civic space.

“A free press is democracy’s immune system. Democracy dies when citizens lose faith, leaders abandon integrity, and institutions succumb to capture. But democracy can be renewed when citizens rise to defend it.”

Matthew Kukah, Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese, urged politicians to show patriotism by upholding democratic values in their actions and commitments.

“A deliberate effort must be made to ensure that the lifestyle of public officers reflects service and inspires confidence,” he said.

“Politics should not become a do-or-die affair or a ticket to self-enrichment. Institutions such as the judiciary and electoral bodies must inspire confidence.”

Kukah added that despite the appeal of ethnic or religious emotions, leaders must rise above being seen merely as champions of their ethnic or religious groups. (The cable)