As Nigeria prepares to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, former President Goodluck Jonathan has made a passionate plea for a reform of the country’s political system. Speaking at a national symposium in Abuja on June 11, Jonathan emphasized the need to address the “do-or-die” approach to elections and the subsequent surge in litigation that follows each electoral cycle.
Jonathan expressed his concern that the current winner-takes-all system is detrimental to political justice and national unity. He urged the National Assembly to devise a formula that would allow political parties that secure a certain percentage of votes, such as 30%, to have a role in governance rather than being completely excluded.
The former president also highlighted the embarrassment caused by the flood of litigation that arises from dissatisfied parties after every election. He called for a more harmonious and inclusive political landscape in Nigeria.
Jonathan stated, “The zero-sum kind of politics, where a winner takes it all, has not helped us foster unity and political justice. A political party that garners up to 30% of votes during an election, whether at the national or sub-national level, should have something to go home with.”
In addition, he urged the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the development of a political system that is free from religious, ethnic, and regional biases over the next 25 years. Jonathan expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to navigate this process, given his role as a key actor during the June 12 crisis.
Jonathan concluded his remarks by stating that he believes events like the symposium, which commemorate significant milestones, will pave the way for a brighter future and prepare the nation for the centenary celebrations of an enduring democracy.
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