Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat from reckless political behaviour, stressing that politics should never be a playground for unruly conduct.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, which also marked his 68th birthday, Jonathan called on leaders to anchor their actions on responsibility, nation-building, and restraint.
“Politics is not for rascals. It is for people who want to build, not destroy,” he said, lamenting the rising tide of aggressive rhetoric and hostile political conduct that he warned could weaken democratic resilience across Africa.
Jonathan highlighted his foundation’s decade-long efforts in diplomacy, governance reforms, peacebuilding, and the strengthening of democratic institutions, urging leaders to take their responsibility to citizens seriously amid increasing attacks and abductions nationwide.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Jonathan’s 2015 concession of defeat as a defining moment that saved Nigeria from crisis.
He described the former president as one of Africa’s most respected democratic figures whose post-office service continues to inspire peace and stability.
Shettima said, “Our democracy has survived turbulent election seasons because leaders like former President Jonathan understand that the Nigerian state is bigger than any individual.”
Newly elected PDP National Chairman, Taminu Turaki, also lauded the foundation, calling it “one of the continent’s most respected institutions in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and democratic strengthening.”
Executive Director of the foundation, Ann Iyonu, reflected on six years of service, emphasizing the institution’s work in election mediation, rule of law, peacebuilding, and promoting African voices globally. She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to building an Africa where democracy thrives and peace endures.
The event drew African statesmen, diplomats, political leaders, and business figures, culminating in tributes to Jonathan’s national and continental influence and renewed calls for political actors to uphold civility and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic order.
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