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Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has called for urgent electoral reforms across Africa, emphasizing that credible elections are key to removing leaders who fail to deliver on their promises.
Speaking at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue held in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday, September 17, Jonathan warned that democracy across the continent is under serious threat — and may collapse if not urgently reformed.
“Democracy in Africa is going through a period of strain and faces the risk of collapse unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform it,” he said.
Jonathan pointed to electoral manipulation as one of the biggest dangers facing African democracies. He noted that flawed electoral systems often allow underperforming leaders to cling to power against the will of the people.
“If we had proper elections, a leader who fails to perform would be voted out. But in our case, people manipulate the system to stay in power even when the citizens clearly want change,” he stated.
The former president stressed the need for democratic systems that truly reflect the will of the people, advocating for electoral integrity, transparency, and reforms that prioritize accountability and good governance.
“Our people want to enjoy their freedom. They want their votes to count. They want fair representation and inclusion,” he said. “They want good education, security, healthcare, jobs, and above all, dignity. When leaders fail to meet these basic needs, the people become disillusioned.”
Jonathan’s remarks come at a time when many African nations are grappling with political instability, controversial elections, and growing public dissatisfaction with governance.
