Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that democracy in Africa risks collapse unless electoral processes are reformed to stop manipulation that keeps underperforming leaders in power.
Jonathan, speaking at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue held in Accra, Ghana, said leaders who fail to deliver should be voted out—if only elections were free, fair, and credible.
“Democracy in Africa is going through a period of strain and risks collapse unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform it,” Jonathan said.
“If we had proper elections, a leader who fails to perform would be voted out. But in our case, people manipulate the system to perpetuate themselves even when citizens reject them.”
The former President described electoral fraud and manipulation as Africa’s greatest democratic threat, stressing that unless trust in the ballot is restored, citizens may lose faith in democracy and turn to authoritarianism.
Jonathan added that democracy must guarantee freedom, inclusivity, and basic needs like security, education, jobs, and healthcare, or else people would remain disillusioned.
He also encouraged youth participation in politics but noted they need the wisdom and mentorship of experienced leaders to succeed.
Also at the event, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama called for urgent reforms to make democracy deliver peace, accountability, and development.
“Democracy will not survive if we don’t work for it. Our citizens are tired of corruption, misgovernance, and lack of opportunities,” Mahama said.
“We must protect the press and civic space because a free press is democracy’s immune system.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the session, described Africa’s current democratic model as “unsustainable,” stressing that urgent reforms are needed to prevent further decline.
The dialogue, attended by top regional leaders including ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, emphasized that democracy in Africa must go beyond elections to embrace accountability, service, and discipline.
The 2025 Democracy Dialogue closed with a call on African leaders to protect institutions, respect citizens’ choices, and ensure governance that guarantees dignity and opportunity for all.
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