In a bid to strengthen democracy in Africa, former President Goodluck Jonathan has emphasized the need for leaders to be accountable to their citizens. Speaking at the 2025 Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, Jonathan warned that democracy in Africa is at risk of collapse and requires urgent reform from all stakeholders.
Jonathan's comments were echoed by Amb Anjorin, a renowned advocate for peace and good governance. The Convener of Kwara for Kwarans Initiative For Social Impacts And Development and As the National Representative for North Central Coalition for Good Governance, Amb Anjorin stressed the importance of electoral reforms and citizen awareness.
According to Jonathan, leaders who fail to perform should be voted out of office, but only if "proper elections" are conducted. He identified electoral manipulation as one of the biggest threats to democracy on the continent.
Amb Anjorin supported Jonathan's stance, noting that it's constitutional but a larger percentage of Nigerian youths and voters in general are unaware of this. He urged youths to shift their attention from social media distractions and face the reality on the ground, which government or individuals voted into public office wouldn't want them to know.
Amb Anjorin argued that when democracy fails to meet the expectations of its citizens, it creates an environment of desperation that can open the door to authoritarianism. He emphasized that for democracy to truly thrive, it must be responsive to the needs of the people, guaranteeing a great future for children and ensuring their voices are heard.
This sentiment reinforces the idea that democracy is not merely about holding elections but about delivering tangible benefits and freedoms to the populace. According to a statement from the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation's Communications Officer, the former president called on African leaders to be accountable to their citizens.
He stated that people are tired of corruption, lack of opportunities, and misgovernance. Jonathan underscored that democracy will not survive unless leaders demonstrate integrity and work towards strengthening institutions.
In his final message, Amb Anjorin urged youth political office holders and stakeholders to look at democracy and "rethink toward reforms in a way that works well for you, us and our people." Amb Anjorin's call to action resonates with Jonathan's message, emphasizing the need for citizens to be aware of their rights and responsibilities in a democratic system.
As Nigeria and other African nations navigate the complexities of democratic governance, the statements of Jonathan and Amb Anjorin serve as a reminder of the importance of accountable leadership, electoral reforms, and citizen awareness.
By prioritizing these values, Africans can work towards strengthening their democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and ensuring that their leaders are truly representative of the people's interests.
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