Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned against creating a democracy for future Nigerian generations rooted in regional or religious politics.
Speaking on Tuesday at the national symposium for Democracy Day at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Jonathan criticized the winners-take-all approach in Nigerian politics. He argued that this practice, which marginalizes other political parties despite their performance in elections, undermines political fairness and the goal of fostering national unity in Nigeria.
Jonathan urged the National Assembly to implement a political system that allows political parties securing a certain percentage of votes in Nigerian elections to participate in governance. He emphasized the need for Nigeria’s political leaders to genuinely reflect the will of the people. He criticized the flaunting of wealth by the children of politicians, which he said does not align with ordinary Nigerians’ aspirations.
His call for a more inclusive democracy proposed that parties receiving at least 30% of the vote should have a role in governance. He argued that this would promote political justice and strengthen social cohesion, countering the current zero-sum game that breeds resentment.
Ending his speech, he said: “Let me conclude by saying that together, we can forge a Nigeria where every citizen has a voice, where opportunities abound, where the promise of a better tomorrow is not just a dream but a tangible reality. Let us therefore celebrate this milestone with pride and renewed determination.”
In summary , Jonathan encouraged the Bola Tinubu administration to focus on making the next 25 years of politics both transformative and inclusive.
