Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on President Bola Tinubu to promote a democracy that allows all citizens to freely express themselves without friction.
Jonathan made this appeal on Tuesday during a one-day symposium commemorating 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.
“Together, let us build a Nigeria where every citizen has a voice, where opportunities abound, where the promise of a better tomorrow is not just a dream,” Jonathan stated. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond regional and religious politics to ensure a unified nation for future generations.
Highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian democracy, Jonathan urged the National Assembly to explore governance models that would suit the country’s unique context.
He pointed out that the current “Do or Die” political mentality hampers democratic consolidation and called for measures to mitigate this destructive practice.
Jonathan expressed his hopes for the new administration, emphasizing that the next 25 years of Nigerian democracy should begin on a positive trajectory. “So for the honorable Vice President, we are hoping that you build more infrastructure for us, improve the quality of education, facilities, etc.,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of reducing electoral litigations, which he described as highly disruptive to democratic stability. Given President Tinubu’s experience during the June 12 crisis, Jonathan expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to navigate these challenges.
Addressing the political class, Jonathan underscored the need for leaders to lead by example, reflecting the will of the electorate in their lifestyles.
He criticized the ostentatious displays of wealth by political officeholders’ children, stating that this is not the democracy Nigerians aspire to see.
Jonathan also criticized the winner-takes-all nature of Nigerian politics, which he said fosters rancor and division. He proposed a more inclusive model where political parties that secure significant votes during elections are not left empty-handed. “If a political party, for example, gets 30% of votes during an election, either national or sub-national level, the party should have something to go home with,” he argued.
The event, chaired by Jonathan, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and other distinguished guests. Jonathan called for a democratic practice that reinforces social cohesion and political justice, moving away from the zero-sum politics that has characterized Nigerian elections.
