Jonathan explains absence from active politics

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has clarified why he has remained absent from active partisan politics in recent years, attributing it to his obligations as a member of the West African Elders Forum, WAEF.

He made the explanation in Abuja at an event marking the 10th anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, GJF, which coincided with a gala dinner in honour of his 68th birthday.

Jonathan told associates and guests that his role in WAEF requires complete non-partisanship, a condition he cannot violate without resigning from the forum.

He noted that the forum comprises former presidents within the sub-region who deploy preventive diplomacy during elections to avert instability.

“The idea is yes, we observe elections, but not as co-observers. We go to ensure that if anything negative is building up, we intervene before it snowballs into a full crisis,” he said.

He stressed that membership of the forum demands total withdrawal from partisan engagements, a requirement that has “disappointed” some of his political associates who had hoped for his active involvement in national politics.

Moving to national issues, Jonathan lamented what he described as the growing “rascality” in Nigeria’s political space.

He urged political actors to restore dignity to leadership by conducting themselves with discipline and responsibility.

“We must change the face of politics. We must see politics as a business of responsible individuals, not a business of rascals that they play in the motor park,” he said.

He observed that while other professions require training and certification, politics tends to attract individuals with no preparation for leadership.

Jonathan also spoke emotionally on the recent abduction of about 25 girls in Kebbi State, an incident he said revived painful memories of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped during his presidency.

He expressed sympathy for the families affected and prayed for the safe return of the abducted students and an end to recurring insecurity.

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Looking back at the establishment of his foundation, Jonathan credited businessman Tony Elumelu with encouraging him to set up an organisation after the 2015 general election.

He initially considered broad thematic areas such as poverty alleviation and education but was advised to focus on democracy and governance—areas in which he had gained global recognition, particularly for strengthening the electoral process and conceding defeat before conclusion of the 2015 polls.

He added that despite his academic background in environmental protection and his Niger Delta roots, he deliberately chose to allow others to lead environmental advocacy while the GJF concentrated on democratic development.

The Executive Director of GJF, Ann Iyonu described the event as a moment of reflection on a decade of work dedicated to strengthening democratic governance, peacebuilding and development across Africa.

She highlighted the foundation’s achievements, including election mediation efforts, participation in observation missions, strategic advocacy and policy dialogues across the continent.

She said the annual Democracy Dialogue, initiated in 2021, has grown into a major platform for interrogating the state of democracy and designing pathways for renewal.

This year’s edition in Accra focused on “Why Democracies Die,” a theme she noted was timely given the structural pressures facing governance systems globally.

Iyonu added that the foundation has advanced peacebuilding by convening stakeholders in conflict-prone countries, supporting peaceful transitions and promoting inclusive governance.

It has also undertaken initiatives to counter violent extremism, strengthen trust between state institutions and citizens, and enhance the security of African states through research and knowledge exchange.

She stated that the foundation has expanded its global presence, building international partnerships and amplifying African perspectives in global discourse.

The 10th anniversary celebration drew dignitaries, development partners and members of the diplomatic corps who praised the foundation’s contributions to democratic consolidation and peace across the continent.

NAN