Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has disclosed that his membership of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) prevents him from engaging in active partisan politics.
Jonathan revealed this during an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) in Abuja on Thursday. The celebration, themed “Legacy of Impact, Celebrating Our Journey,” coincided with a gala dinner marking his 68th birthday.
Addressing political associates who have been expecting his return to active politics, the former president explained that WAEF membership requires strict adherence to non-partisanship. He described the forum as a preventive diplomacy platform comprising former heads of state who mediate during elections across the sub-region to forestall crises.
“We go there to make sure that if we notice anything negative emerging, we intervene and try to see what we can do so that those issues do not snowball into a full crisis,” Jonathan stated.
He elaborated on the stringent requirements for WAEF membership, saying members must be former presidents within the sub-region and former ECOWAS leaders who commit to stepping away from active politics.
“That is why I am disappointing most of my political associates. They expect me to play an active role in politics, but before I do, I must first resign from the WAEF,” he added.
The former president took a strong stance against what he termed “rascality” in Nigerian politics, urging politicians to demonstrate responsibility and decorum. He noted that unlike professions requiring formal training and certification, many individuals enter politics and assume leadership positions without proper preparation.
“We must change the face of politics. We must see politics as a business of responsible individuals, not a business of rascals that they play in the motor park,” Jonathan stated.
The ex-president expressed profound sadness over the recent abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, which claimed the life of the school’s vice principal. The incident, which occurred on November 18, evoked painful memories of the 2014 Chibok girls kidnapping during his administration. He offered condolences to affected families and called for prayers for the safe return of the abducted students.
Speaking on the foundation’s origins, Jonathan credited businessman Tony Elumelu for suggesting the initiative after his 2015 electoral defeat. While initially considering education and poverty alleviation, he opted to focus on democracy and governance based on advisers’ recommendations.
The former president explained that his globally recognized concession of defeat before the 2015 election results were finalized positioned him uniquely to champion democratic values. Despite his background in environmental protection and Niger Delta advocacy, he chose to concentrate the foundation’s efforts on strengthening democratic institutions across Africa.
Ms. Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of GJF, described the milestone as a moment of reflection on a decade dedicated to inclusive democratic governance, peacebuilding, and development across Africa. She highlighted the foundation’s election mediation missions, policy dialogues, and strategic advocacy efforts.
Iyonu noted that the foundation’s annual Democracy Dialogue, launched in 2021, has become a crucial platform for strategic engagement. This year’s dialogue in Accra examined the theme “Why Democracies Die,” exploring structural factors undermining democratic resilience in Africa and globally.
The foundation has also contributed significantly to preventing violent extremism, improving trust between state institutions and citizens, and expanding Africa’s global presence through international partnerships.