Bishop Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto has commended former President Goodluck Jonathan for his pivotal role in shaping and sustaining democratic values in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 International Conference hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana, Bishop Kukah reflected on the former president’s widely lauded gesture in 2015, when he conceded defeat to then-candidate Muhammadu Buhari before final election results were officially announced.
“His singular sacrifice has helped to shape the future of democracy in Nigeria. You had a standing army, you had the resources and the power to overturn the elections, but you chose the path of honour. This has set you apart. The Athenian gods have given you the flame of democracy to carry around the continent,” Kukah said.
The cleric also expressed concern over the growing threat posed by self-serving politicians to democratic stability across Africa. He noted that personal ambition and greed often overshadow the principles of service that democracy is meant to uphold.
“Often those who pose the greatest threat to democracy are the elected officials who substitute blind, personal ambition and greed for the fine principles of service that democracy represents. Once elected to power, some politicians often become a danger to their own people and the democratic process itself by seeking to govern at all cost. The gargantuan corruption that continues to gnaw at state resources is revolting. Once in power, the paraphernalia of power often makes it impossible for the already powerless people to feel the impact of governance,” he said.
Despite acknowledging the imperfections of democracy, Kukah described it as the best system developed so far to guard against the abuse of authority.
“It is a system that dreams of how to prevent the few, the rich and the powerful who act as if they are mighty immortals born to rule,” he added.
The bishop stressed the importance of electoral reforms and civic education in deepening democracy. He encouraged Nigerians to express dissatisfaction through peaceful and legal means rather than violence.
“Citizens must learn how to manage frustration, anger and bitterness. This is where moral upbringing, patriotism and civics can help citizens learn how to manage their frustration without resort to violence. Citizens must learn that the solution to a bad election is another election. The winners must also be ready to create a level playing field rather than raise roadblocks or walls after victories,” Kukah stated.
He further called on electoral bodies to ensure fairness and transparency in the democratic process to foster trust among citizens and political actors alike.
“Electoral laws and umpires must ensure that the processes are so fair and transparent, that winners and losers can shake hands and go back to work harder for the next election because they agree that the playing field was level. How winners conduct themselves will determine how the losers take their losses, thereby encouraging people to trust in democracy. Politics should be for the living, and no one should lose their lives cheaply over elections,” he said.
