Politics

Jonathan urges Africa to strengthen democracy

Published

5 years ago

November 21, 2020

Buhari, others hail him at 63

President Muhammadu Buhari, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Ike Ekweremadu have hailed rejoiced with former President Goodluck Jonathan on the occasion of his 63rd birthday anniversary on Friday.

This came as the former president made a case for the consolidation of democracy in Africa, describing it as a leverage that could ensure that the continent’s future would be better than its past.

Jonathan noted that democracy might have its flaws but pointed out that various academic studies had demonstrated that the system of government “yields better economies, better health for its citizens and better respect for human rights.”

Buhari, in his congratulatory message, said Jonathan’s life of service has brought honour and goodwill to the country.

This is coming as Jonathan has made a case for the consolidation of democracy in Africa, describing it as a leverage that could ensure that the continent’s future would be better than its past.

The president’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari expressed appreciation to the former president for his dedication to service following his astronomical rise to the highest level of service and eventual emergence as ECOWAS envoy in recent times.

The president prayed God to grant Jonathan long life, wsdom and good health so that he can continue to serve humanity.

The statement read: “On behalf of the federal government and Nigerians in general, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 63rd birthday, November 20, 2020, congratulating him for a life of service that has brought honour and goodwill to the country.

“The President notes with appreciation the peculiar and remarkable climb of the former president on Nigeria’s political ladder, and dedication that has kept him working most recently as ECOWAS envoy to bring peace to the Republic of Mali.

“As the former Nigerian President turns 63, President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant Dr Jonathan longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the nation and humanity.”

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has also congratulated Jonathan, as he clocks 63 years today, saying his efforts at promoting democracy particularly in Africa are impactful and commendable.

The former president’s “unique statesmanship and graceful disposition to issues” has also endeared him to democrats globally, Okowa said through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika.

He said that Jonathan’s bourgeoning role in entrenching democracy across Africa through his observer-mission activities was impactful and laudable.

Okowa also noted that the former president’s role in the peace process in Mali, describing it as “truly statesmanlike”.

Ekweremadu has also hailed Jonathan, for his democratic temperament and selfless leadership.

Ekweremadu commended the former President for not only the electoral reforms recorded under his administration, but also for providing the right democratic atmosphere to ensure that the reforms were implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Jonathan in his keynote speech at a virtual conference organised by the Kofi Annan Foundation which focused on ‘Democracy in East Africa in the age of COVID- 19: challenges and opportunities’.

Jonathan further affirmed that it was no coincidence that the countries with the best human development index scores are all democracies, while the worst performers are not.

He said, “We have made enormous strides in Africa in terms of democracy. According to Freedom House, there were only two democracies in Africa in 1980; now there are no fewer than forty.”

Stressing that not all of these democracies meet the required standards, the former President however emphasised that they are mostly big improvements on what came before.

Comparing democracies to dictatorships, Jonathan stated that dictatorships around the world tend to underperform “because they are subjected to little or no accountability, either from a free press, an independent judiciary or a vibrant opposition.”

Jonathan noted that democracy “is fundamentally a competitive system, and competition keeps people, even politicians, on their toes”, adding that they are meant to be in power to serve their people and their countries, not themselves.

He said although democracy has its challenges in many countries, the aspiration to democracy has taken root, especially among our youth.

“From Washington to Abuja to Nairobi, democracy is always a work in progress, everywhere: each generation has to address the challenges left by its elders.”

Politics

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

Published

6 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing rising internal tension as supporters of former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar clash over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, raising concerns about unity within the opposition ahead of the general elections.

The friction stems from competing ambitions, with both Obi and Atiku positioning themselves to lead the ADC into the 2027 Nigerian elections. Atiku, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Obi, who left the Labour Party, have strengthened the ADC’s profile, making it a key opposition platform.

Obi’s supporters, often called the Obidient Movement, fear that Atiku’s extensive political network could overshadow Obi’s bid for the ticket. Atiku, meanwhile, has urged both camps to avoid internal divisions, warning that infighting could advantage the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

Politics

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

Published

6 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan and other southern Nigerian politicians to contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, signalling the start of what could be a highly competitive and high-profile primary race.

PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emphasized that the presidential primaries will be open, fair, and transparent, allowing all eligible southern aspirants to participate. The clarification comes amid speculation over whether Jonathan, who previously served two terms as president, would re-enter the national political scene.

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

Politics

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally joined forces with the Obidient Movement and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie‑Oyegun, to strengthen opposition efforts against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The alliance was announced during a high-profile event in Benin City, Edo State, where leaders of the Obidient Movement officially merged with the ADC, committing to joint mobilisation and grassroots engagement.

Chief Odigie‑Oyegun described the coalition as a timely strategy to consolidate opposition forces and address public dissatisfaction with APC governance. The Obidient Movement — the youth-led network that supported Peter Obi in 2023 — pledged to leverage its national structure to expand ADC’s reach across Edo State and other key regions.