Ex-President Jonathan delivers a warning on toxic politics, urging responsible leadership at his foundation’s 10th anniversary in Abuja
ABUJA, 20 November 2025. Former President Goodluck Jonathan delivered a pointed warning on toxic politics on Thursday, urging African leaders to embrace responsibility, civility and restraint as democratic tensions rise across the continent.
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Jonathan spoke at the 10th anniversary dinner of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Abuja, an event that also marked his 68th birthday.
Jonathan told the gathering of African statesmen, diplomats, political leaders and business executives that no government can succeed without the cooperation of its citizens, and no society can progress without leaders who listen and act with clarity.
He said political leadership must be rooted in nation-building and accountability, not the aggressive rhetoric that increasingly dominates public life.
Reflecting on the foundation’s work, he said its decade-long focus on diplomacy, governance reforms, peacebuilding and the strengthening of democratic institutions was inspired by Nigeria’s own struggles with political volatility.
He lamented the recent wave of violent attacks and abductions across the country, calling on leaders to take their duties more seriously and ensure the protection of citizens while safeguarding the democratic order.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, praised Jonathan’s legacy, describing his 2015 concession of election defeat as the defining act of statesmanship that prevented Nigeria from sliding into crisis.
Shettima said the former president’s conduct elevated him among Africa’s most respected democratic figures and demonstrated that national interest must outweigh personal ambition.
He added that Nigeria’s democracy has weathered turbulent elections because leaders like Jonathan understand that the state is greater than any individual.
Shettima also conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill, saying Jonathan’s continued public service had strengthened Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
Newly elected Peoples Democratic Party national chairman and former Minister of Special Duties Taminu Turaki also commended the foundation’s impact.
He described it as one of Africa’s most respected institutions in mediation, conflict resolution and democratic strengthening, noting that its evolution over the past decade had set a benchmark for post-office engagement on the continent.
The celebration unfolded against a backdrop of national concern over insecurity, giving Jonathan’s message added urgency.
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His call for responsibility and restraint resonated strongly throughout the room, offering a powerful reminder of the democratic values that many believe Nigeria must fiercely protect.
