Former President Goodluck Jonathan Explains Why Active Politics Has Been Set Aside For Legacy And Democratic Initiatives

 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has offered a candid explanation for his continued absence from active political life, attributing it to his role in the West African Elders Forum, WAEF. Speaking in Abuja during the 10th anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, GJF, Jonathan detailed how his membership in the forum requires strict non-partisanship, keeping him away from the political arena despite expectations from associates. The event, themed “Legacy of Impact, Celebrating Our Journey,” also coincided with Jonathan’s 68th birthday, marked by a gala dinner attended by supporters and dignitaries.

Jonathan described the West African Elders Forum as a platform for preventive diplomacy, composed of former heads of state across the sub-region. He explained that the forum’s mission is to mediate potential crises during elections by intervening when issues emerge, preventing them from escalating into full-scale conflicts. He emphasized, “The idea is, yes, we observe the elections, but we are not co-observers. We go there to make sure that if we notice anything negative emerging, we intervene and try to see what we can do so that those issues do not snowball into a full crisis.”

Highlighting the conditions of his WAEF membership, Jonathan noted that members must be former presidents and former ECOWAS leaders. One of the clearest stipulations is a requirement to step away from active politics. He acknowledged the disappointment this has caused among some political allies who expected him to engage more directly in the political sphere. Jonathan reiterated that before he could re-enter politics, he would first need to resign from the forum, a move dictated by the rules of his current role.

Turning to the state of Nigerian politics, Jonathan lamented what he described as widespread “rascality” and stressed the need for decorum, responsibility, and proper preparation among political leaders. He drew comparisons with professions such as teaching, which require training and certification, noting that many politicians assume leadership roles without the necessary skills or guidance. Jonathan urged a transformation of politics into a space for responsible individuals rather than untrained opportunists, emphasizing the importance of integrity in leadership.

Expressing sorrow over the recent abduction of about 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, Jonathan reflected on the emotional weight of such events, recalling the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction during his tenure. He extended condolences to the families of victims, including a vice principal who lost her life, and called for prayers for the safe return of the abducted girls and an end to such tragedies.

Jonathan also recounted the origins of his foundation, noting that businessman Tony Elumelu inspired its creation after the 2015 elections. While initially considering broader issues like education and poverty reduction, advisers encouraged him to focus on areas where he had global credibility. Democracy and governance became the chosen focus due to his internationally recognized actions of strengthening the electoral commission and conceding defeat early in the 2015 election process. Despite his background in environmental protection and origins in the Niger Delta, Jonathan opted to leave environmental advocacy to others, concentrating the Foundation’s resources on democratic development.

GJF Executive Director Ann Iyonu highlighted the Foundation’s decade-long commitment to advancing democracy, equity, and development across Africa. She emphasized its achievements in election mediation, policy advocacy, peace building, and promoting inclusive governance. Iyonu noted the Foundation’s Democracy Dialogue, inaugurated in 2021, as a critical platform addressing systemic threats to democratic resilience. She also credited GJF with improving trust between citizens and state institutions, preventing violent extremism, and expanding Africa’s international presence through strategic partnerships.

Jonathan’s reflections underscore a deliberate choice to prioritize regional diplomacy and democratic strengthening over personal political ambitions, affirming his commitment to lasting institutional and societal impact across Africa.