Jonathan warns Nigeria’s democracy is being ‘suffocated’, says politics is not for rascals

Jonathan warns Nigeria’s democracy is being ‘suffocated’, says politics is not for rascals

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is being “suffocated” by reckless political conduct, stressing that politics must never become a playground for disruptive or destructive behavior.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Abuja — an event that also marked his 68th birthday — Jonathan said no government can function without the support of its citizens, and no society can progress without leaders who listen, act responsibly, and prioritize national interest.

“Politics is not for rascals. It is for people who want to build, not destroy,” Jonathan said, lamenting the rise of aggressive rhetoric and antagonistic political conduct that he believes is weakening democratic resilience across Africa.

He emphasized that leadership must be anchored in accountability, nation-building, and temperance, adding that maintaining democratic stability requires civility and responsibility from all political actors.

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Jonathan also reflected on the founding of his organization, saying its decade-long work has focused on diplomacy, governance reforms, mediation, peacebuilding, and strengthening democratic institutions. He condemned the recent surge in violent attacks and abductions nationwide, urging leaders to take citizens’ safety more seriously while upholding democratic norms.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, praised Jonathan for safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, particularly through his historic 2015 concession of defeat.
“The highest point of the Jonathan legacy was when he courageously conceded defeat and saved the nation from a precipice,” Shettima said, adding that Nigeria’s democracy has “survived turbulent election seasons because leaders like Jonathan understand that the Nigerian state is bigger than any individual.”

Shettima relayed Tinubu’s goodwill message, saying Jonathan’s conduct since leaving office demonstrates that public service does not end with political tenure.

Also speaking, newly elected PDP national chairman, Taminu Turaki, commended the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation as one of Africa’s most respected institutions for peacekeeping, mediation, conflict resolution, and democratic development.

“We’ve watched the foundation grow into one of the most reputable platforms in Africa,” Turaki said.

Jonathan warns Nigeria’s democracy is being ‘suffocated’, says politics is not for rascals