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Breaking News: Leaders Who Fail to Perform Should Be Voted Out – Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that any leader who fails to deliver on promises should be voted out of office—provided credible elections are conducted.
Jonathan made the remarks on Saturday at the 2025 edition of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Ghana, where he warned that electoral manipulation remains one of the gravest threats to Africa’s democratic survival.
The former president, who lost his re-election bid in 2015 and is reportedly eyeing a 2027 comeback against President Bola Tinubu, said democracy across the continent is under strain.
“If we had proper elections, a leader who fails to perform would be voted out. But in our case, people manipulate the system to perpetuate themselves in power even when the people don’t want them,” Jonathan said.
In a statement issued by GJF Communications Officer, Mr. Wealth Dickson Ominabo, Jonathan emphasized that democracy must guarantee freedoms, equitable representation, inclusivity, security, healthcare, jobs, and dignity for the people.
He warned that when democracy fails to meet citizens’ expectations, frustration and disillusionment often provide fertile ground for authoritarian regimes.
“Our people want their votes to count. They want good education, security, healthcare, and opportunities. When leaders fail to provide these, democracy itself is weakened,” he said.
Jonathan also described the rise in youth participation in governance as encouraging, but urged young leaders to seek guidance from experienced elders to ensure sustainable leadership.