Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has issued a stark warning about the state of democracy in Africa, emphasizing that electoral manipulation represents one of the most significant threats to the continent’s democratic systems. Speaking at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Jonathan stressed that unless African stakeholders collectively commit to rethinking and reforming democratic processes, the region risks a potential collapse of its democratic institutions.

Jonathan called for a democratic system that ensures a brighter future for African children, where their voices are heard, and their votes truly count. He argued that in a system with free and fair elections, leaders who fail to deliver on their promises would inevitably be voted out of office. Instead, he lamented, electoral mechanisms are often manipulated to allow leaders to entrench themselves in power, disregarding their performance or the collective will of the populace.

The former president highlighted that citizens aspire to equitable representation and expect governments to deliver quality education, robust security, accessible healthcare, ample employment opportunities, and basic dignity, needs that, in many cases, have been unmet, fueling widespread disillusionment. He also acknowledged a positive trend of increased youth engagement in governance, emphasizing the importance of combining youthful energy with the wisdom and experience of older generations to cultivate effective leadership.

Jonathan’s warnings were echoed by other distinguished African leaders present at the dialogue, including Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. President Mahama cautioned that democracy in Africa cannot endure without proactive efforts to protect and strengthen its foundations. He called for a fundamental ‘reset’ in democracy and governance, stressing the urgent need for greater accountability. Mahama noted that citizens are increasingly frustrated by corruption, misgovernance, and limited opportunities, and underscored the role of robust institutions, comprehensive development initiatives, quality education, and a free press, describing media as “democracy’s immune system”, as vital for sustaining democratic governance.

The event, chaired by former President Obasanjo, also featured his strong assertion that current democratic practices in Africa are unsustainable and require comprehensive reform. Contributions came from other prominent figures, including Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Sokoto diocese. A consensus emerged among all speakers that democracy must extend beyond mere electoral events, demanding a broader commitment to accountability, efficient service delivery, and disciplined leadership.