Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to work towards establishing a democracy that minimizes post-election frictions, expressing concern over the numerous legal battles that typically follow Nigerian elections. Jonathan described this situation as embarrassing for the nation.
The former president made these remarks on Tuesday while serving as the Chairman of the Democracy Day Public Lecture themed “25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospect for the Future.” The event took place at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. Reflecting on the past 25 years, Jonathan highlighted Nigeria’s achievement in building an economy that was once the largest in Africa.
However, he acknowledged the challenges faced in consolidating the country’s democracy and emphasized that genuine democratic progress requires political actors to abandon their extravagant lifestyles. He warned against building a democracy based on ethnicity and religion, stating that such foundations do not last.
Jonathan underscored the importance of strengthening state institutions to bolster democracy and criticized the “winner-takes-all” approach in politics, noting that it is detrimental to a healthy democratic system. He advised the National Assembly to consider governance models that could better serve the nation and ensure citizens receive the dividends of democracy.
Jonathan stated, “For democracy to yield dividends, the political actors must change their flamboyant style.” He also condemned politics where the winner takes all, saying, “It is not healthy in a democratic system.” He further urged, “The National Assembly should look at a governance model that can suit the country in order for the people to benefit from the needed dividends.”
Details on the lecture and further statements are expected to be released later.
