Goodluck Jonathan warns that electoral manipulation threatens Africa’s democracy and calls for urgent reforms to protect free and fair elections
Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has warned that electoral manipulation poses one of the greatest threats to democratic governance across Africa. Speaking at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation democracy dialogue in Accra, Ghana, Jonathan said, “Democracy in the African continent is going through a period of strain and risk of collapse unless stakeholders come together to rethink and reform it. Electoral manipulation remains one of the biggest threats in Africa.”
He cautioned that when democratic systems fail to meet citizens’ expectations, “it can breed desperation and pave the way for authoritarianism.” Jonathan urged African leaders to “embrace democracy that secures a better future for children and ensures their voices are heard,” stressing that many politicians manipulate electoral processes “to remain in power by all means.”
The former president called on governments, civil society, and regional organizations to strengthen electoral laws and practices to prevent vote rigging and restore public confidence in democratic institutions across the continent.