Tinubu: Sabotaging democracy not good for anyone — even those who stand aside

President Bola Tinubu says the rising assaults on democratic governance across Nigeria and West Africa pose a danger to everyone, including citizens who “stand aside and do nothing”.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, spoke in Abuja on Friday at the 68th birthday ceremony of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which also marked the 10th anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The president said recent political upheavals in the sub-region show what happens when individuals or groups attempt to undermine state institutions for personal ambition.

“If you look no further than around us, you will see what it means to sabotage the principles of democracy,” he said.

“The chaos that follows such subversion is never good for anyone, not even for those who stand aside and do nothing.”

Tinubu lamented that extremists, adventurists, and power-hungry actors continue to weaken governance structures in parts of Africa, insisting that democracy can only survive if citizens respect electoral outcomes, regardless of the fortunes of their preferred candidates.

“No matter how strong our sentiments, no matter whether our preferred candidates win or lose, we must learn to respect the wishes of those who vote differently,” he said, adding that democracy guarantees “another election, another season, another chance.”

Tinubu used the event to pay a glowing tribute to Jonathan, describing him as “a statesman who preserved our democracy at a moment when it mattered most.”

He said Jonathan’s post-presidency work, especially through the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, demonstrates that leadership transcends public office and that true national service is measured by one’s commitment after leaving power.

“President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to channel his passion into the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation proves one truth: life begins anew when we leave the high offices for which we are elected,” he said.

Tinubu lauded the foundation for promoting peace, accountability, and democratic culture at a time when democratic systems are under threat across the continent.

“Our democracy stands because of people like former President Goodluck Jonathan. People who believe the Nigerian state is bigger than any individual,” the president said.

He added that Jonathan’s legacy serves as a template for leaders who struggle with life after office, emphasising that service should remain a lifelong commitment.

Anyim Pius Anyim, former senate president, said Jonathan embodies restraint and democratic discipline.

He praised the former president for consistently choosing moderation over force, adding that “he spent more time ensuring he restrained himself from exercising the enormous powers of his office.”

Anyim said Africa continues to benefit from Jonathan’s “wisdom, good heart, and commitment to what is fair and right”.

Ann Iyonu, executive director of the foundation, said the past decade has been dedicated to strengthening democratic governance, peacebuilding, and inclusive development across Africa.

“We have turned bold ideas into transformative action,” she said, listing election mediation, policy dialogues, conflict-resolution efforts, and initiatives against violent extremism as key milestones.

She added that the annual democracy dialogue has become a leading continental platform for interrogating threats to democratic survival.