Jonathan Urges Africans to Vote out Leaders Who Fail to Deliver

 

 

Jonathan Urges Africans to Vote Out Leaders Who Fail to Deliver

 

 

 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the removal of leaders who fail to perform, stressing that credible elections are crucial for democracy to thrive.

 

Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, Jonathan warned that electoral manipulation remains one of the greatest threats to democratic governance in Africa. He urged stakeholders to come together to reform electoral processes or risk the collapse of democracy on the continent.

 

Jonathan emphasized the importance of a system where African citizens’ votes truly count, and where leaders are held accountable for delivering essentials such as education, healthcare, security, jobs, and dignity. “If we had proper elections, a leader who fails to perform would be voted out,” he said.

 

He also commended the growing involvement of young people in governance but stressed that youthful energy must be combined with the experience of older generations for effective leadership.

 

The dialogue featured prominent African leaders, including Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Mahama stressed that democracy would not survive without active protection and called for a governance reset to ensure accountability. He highlighted the role of strong institutions, development, education, and a free press, describing the media as “democracy’s immune system.”

 

Obasanjo, who chaired the event, described current democratic practices in Africa as unsustainable, calling for urgent reforms to strengthen institutions and ensure leaders are answerable to the people.

 

Other speakers at the dialogue, including Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, agreed that democracy must go beyond elections, emphasizing accountability, service delivery, and discipline as critical pillars.

 

The GJF Democracy Dialogue concluded with a shared conviction that Africa’s democracy can only thrive if reforms guarantee transparent elections, accountable leadership, and robust democratic institutions capable of delivering peace, development, and opportunities for all citizens.