By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, gave a warning that Nigeria’s political space is becoming more dominated by “rascality.” He called on leaders to bring back discipline, responsibility, and focus on national interest to public office.
Speaking on Thursday at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and a gala dinner for his 68th birthday, he complained that politics has become the only profession where people take up leadership without proper training or preparation.
He said, “For those of us who are in active politics, I still pray that whatever we do affects everybody. And we must play our politics with decorum, with a sense of responsibility, not with rascality. Politics is not a business of rascals.”
He also said that unlike other fields, leadership should require training. He stated that such is not the case in Nigeria. He said, “somebody just wakes up and he’s a politician. You don’t know where the person is coming from. The next day, he’s your governor. No basic training, and that is a problem.”
He urged for a change so that politics becomes a domain of responsible individuals. He also warned that Nigeria cannot move forward if leadership remains an “all‑comers affair.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan said, that the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s neutrality now prevents him from re‑entering partisan politics; he must first resign from the West African Elders Forum.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, hailed Jonathan’s 2015 concession of defeat as the pinnacle of his presidency and a defining democratic moment. He said Nigeria’s democracy endures because of leaders like Jonathan, whose statesmanship after office has earned him continental respect.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also said that Jonathan’s post‑presidency work in peacebuilding and institutional strengthening underscores his commitment to democratic values.
Former ECOWAS President and UN Special Representative, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas delivered the keynote. He described the Foundation’s decade as one of bold purpose, shared struggles, and notable successes. He highlighted its use of high‑level dialogue, mediation, and continental partnerships to stabilize tension‑prone regions. Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas pointed to the West Africa Elders Forum that has helped shape peaceful elections in at least seven West African nations between 2021 and 2025, including The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Liberia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and others. He urged African leaders to deepen democratic resilience beyond just elections.
Former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki praised the Foundation’s evolution into a respected institution advancing peace, security, and democracy across Africa. He mentioned its work in election monitoring, dialogue, and conflict mediation.
The foundation’s Executive Director, Ann Iyonu, in her goodwill message, called the 10‑year milestone a celebration of resilience, purpose, and divine grace, detailing the Foundation’s achievements in strengthening democratic institutions through election observation, peace missions, policy dialogues, and strategic advocacy.
