Former president Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday warned that Africa cannot sustain democracy while excluding its most vibrant population – the youth – from governance.
This was as he criticised long-standing political structures that sideline younger Nigerians from electioneering, recalling that age limits shut many young people out of leadership when he first contested for office.
Jonathan, who spoke in Abuja at the Murtala Muhammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference themed “Has Africa Come of Age?”, encouraged African countries to lower age barriers and strengthen institutions so that youths can win elections and participate in governance.
He maintained that the democratic future of the continent is under threat unless young people are deliberately brought into leadership and decision-making positions.
Describing Africa as a predominantly young continent, the former president said growing frustration among youths should not be mistaken for a rejection of democracy.
He said, it reflects a demand that democracy must deliver opportunities, dignity and justice adding that where justice is absent, “there are fractures within democracy.
Jonathan anchored his argument on the legacy of the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, who assumed office at the age of 38 and governed with what he described as clarity of purpose and selfless national vision.
He maintained that Murtala’s brief but impactful leadership showed that age is not a barrier to effective governance when leaders are driven by patriotism and discipline.
“General Murtala Muhammed assumed office as Head of State at a very young age. Despite a tenure of only 200 days, his achievements were profound because he was driven by a clear, unyielding vision for a greater Nigeria,” he said.
He reinforced support for the Not Too Young To Run movement, arguing that leadership in the modern era requires physical strength, mental alertness and stamina often found among younger leaders.
“If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look at the age within our day and age. That is how you can be vibrant, physically strong and mentally sound,” he said.
Beyond youth inclusion, the ex-president reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, stressing that leadership in a democracy is tested not by the extent of power but by how that power is exercised.
Jonathan recalled the pressures his administration faced, including security challenges, economic difficulties and political divisions, warning that such moments often tempt leaders to compromise democratic principles.
“In such moments, leaders are tempted to sacrifice democracy for convenience. Yet democracy must be strengthened and made to deliver, even at personal cost to leaders,” he said.
Jonathan further noted that Africa’s governance challenge is not the absence of elections but the lack of a durable democratic culture rooted in credible polls, respect for term limits, judicial independence and press freedom.
The former president pointed out that Nigeria carries a special responsibility in this regard, as its democratic successes or failures often reverberate across the continent.
“When democracy succeeds in Nigeria, it strengthens democracy across Africa. When it falters, the consequences are far-reaching,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as weak discipline among some elected officials, noting that leaders who spend excessive time away from their states undermine governance and security.
According to him, discipline and presence were key factors that enabled young military leaders of earlier generations to govern effectively.
As the lecture marked 50 years since Murtala Muhammed’s assassination, Jonathan said the commemoration should serve as guidance for today’s leaders rather than mere nostalgia.
He urged young Africans to see leadership as service and older leaders to embrace stewardship over entitlement.
