Jonathan Advocates for Tailored Democracy in Africa

During the 2026 edition of the GJF Democracy Dialogue held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan advised African nations to urgently develop democratic systems that reflect their unique histories, cultures, and political realities. He stressed the importance of upholding fundamental democratic principles such as justice, equality, human rights, accountability, and the necessity for free and fair elections.

Jonathan highlighted the need for African countries to critically assess their democratic models, noting that there are no universally accepted systems applicable across the continent. He suggested that elements of the Swiss model of governance could provide valuable lessons, particularly in preventing the concentration of political power.

Jonathan warned against the dangers posed by excessive political power in the hands of a single individual, citing a 2024 Afrobarometer survey indicating a significant gap between citizens' preference for democracy and their satisfaction with its practice. He concluded that democracy must ensure fairness, justice, and equal treatment for all citizens.