Leaders Must Be Voted Out If They Fail, Jonathan Insists

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that democracy in Africa is at risk of collapse and requires urgent reform from all stakeholders. Speaking at the 2025 Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, Jonathan stated that leaders who fail to perform should be voted out of office, but only if “proper elections” are conducted. His comments come amid growing concerns about the state of democracy in many African nations, where citizens are increasingly disillusioned with the system’s ability to deliver good governance.

The former president identified electoral manipulation as one of the biggest threats to democracy on the continent. He stressed that without a credible electoral process, leaders can use the system to perpetuate themselves in power even when the people do not want them. Jonathan’s remarks highlight a critical issue in African politics, where electoral outcomes are often contested, leading to legal battles, political tension, and a lack of trust in the system.

Jonathan 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, a 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, Jonathan urged African stakeholders to look at their democracy and “rethink and reform it in a way that works well for us and our people.”