Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has publicly expressed admiration for his successor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, praising his dedication to strengthening democracy in Africa through sustained dialogue and engagement.
Obasanjo made the remark during the 2025 Democracy Dialogue held in Accra, Ghana, an annual event spearheaded by Jonathan to promote discussions on democratic governance, peacebuilding, and inclusive leadership across the continent.
The conference brought together former heads of state, policymakers, civil society leaders, and scholars to deliberate on Africa’s democratic trajectory.
In a video shared by Symfoni TV, Obasanjo said Jonathan’s commitment to convening such a platform year after year was evidence of his vision for Africa’s democratic future.
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He noted that democracy is not a fixed destination but a continuous process that requires reflection, debate, and reform to remain effective and inclusive.
“I want to thank former President Goodluck Jonathan for making this a point of duty annually to set up dialogue on different aspects of democracy,” Obasanjo said.
“I believe that democracy is not a destination, it is a journey and if it is a journey we must be talking about it, we must be exchanging ideas and views about it.”
“So I thank you for this and of course you know if you call me and there is nothing really of life and death holding me back you say jump, I will only ask you how high.”
The statement drew warm applause from the audience, with many interpreting it as a rare public testament to the cordial relationship between the two former presidents.
Obasanjo used the occasion to reflect on the evolution of democracy in Africa over the past two decades. He highlighted that while the continent has made notable progress with many nations transitioning from authoritarian regimes to democratic governance challenges such as electoral malpractice, weak institutions, and political violence remain pressing concerns.
According to Obasanjo, events like the Democracy Dialogue are crucial in addressing these issues by allowing leaders to learn from each other’s experiences and to craft homegrown solutions that reflect Africa’s realities. He stressed that democracy must continue to adapt and evolve if it is to deliver meaningful development and security for citizens.
Jonathan, in his opening address, echoed similar sentiments, saying the Democracy Dialogue was conceived as a platform to ensure that African democracies are not only preserved but also improved upon for future generations.
He noted that good governance, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law are vital components of sustainable democracy.
Political commentators at the event said Obasanjo’s remarks were significant, considering his history of frank and often critical assessments of African leaders.
His statement that he would “only ask how high” if Jonathan told him to jump was seen as a mark of respect for Jonathan’s statesmanship and his post-presidency efforts to promote peace and democracy.
The Accra gathering concluded with participants calling for stronger regional collaboration to safeguard electoral integrity protect civil liberties, and ensure that governance remains people-centered across Africa.
