In a poignant keynote at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Annual Democracy Dialogue, Catholic Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah delivered a stirring message to former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to prayerfully weigh any potential 2027 presidential bid while underscoring democracy’s resilience despite its deep flaws in Africa.
The international conference, held in Accra under the theme “What Makes Democracy Die?”, gathered African leaders, scholars, and activists to reflect on the continent’s democratic struggles. Kukah, known for his incisive critiques of Nigerian governance, reframed the theme more optimistically as “How Democracies Can Survive,” insisting that democracy anchored in humanity’s quest for fairness, belonging, and integrity cannot truly perish.
“Our people are hungry. They are still poverty-stricken, living in destitution,” Kukah lamented, acknowledging widespread disillusionment. He said democracy in Nigeria and across Africa has yet to deliver on its promises of safety, prosperity, and freedom from corruption and violence. Still, he pointed to a milestone: seven consecutive elections since 1999 flawed, bloody, and chaotic, yet free of calls for military coups, a sharp break from Nigeria’s past.
“Nigeria has nailed its hopes for progress on the mask of democracy, with all its flaws and hostile headwinds,” he observed. He likened the country’s unity to a Catholic marriage: “It may not be happy, but it doesn’t break up.”
Kukah criticized Africa’s wholesale adoption of Western liberal democracy, noting that colonial legacies and military regimes planted “landmines” that continue to hinder genuine transitions. “Africa transited from colonialism and military dictatorship but did not successfully transit to democracy,” he argued, stressing the need for a distinctly African political culture.
He faulted simplistic measurements such as the Mo Ibrahim Index, which focus on transparency and anti-corruption while ignoring deeper cultural dynamics. In many African languages, he noted, “opposition” translates to “enemy,” fostering a culture of elimination rather than dialogue. Drawing from his experience on Nigeria’s electoral reform committee, Kukah recalled how communities often avoid dissent for fear of reprisals from dominant parties.
“Democracy is hard work with no easy answers,” he warned, rejecting what he called “exaggerated pessimism.” Even global reversals like illiberal trends in Europe and the U.S., highlighted by the January 6 Capitol riot represent “challenges” rather than death blows. “As long as humans exist, there will always be democracy,” Kukah declared, describing it as an instinct embedded in humanity, not merely a fragile institution.
In a deeply personal reflection, Kukah honored Jonathan’s historic 2015 concession, calling it a “divine call” that spared Nigeria chaos despite his command of state and military power. Referencing Jonathan’s memoir Transition Hours, he praised the act as democracy at its best: dignified, honorable, and sacrificial.
Addressing speculation about Jonathan’s 2027 ambitions fueled by PDP dynamics and recent political maneuvers Kukah offered sobering counsel. Quoting elder statesman Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, he said: “The voice of the devil is not so far from the voice of God.” He urged Jonathan: “Listen very carefully to those who want to use you as an instrument for the elongation of their interests, not yours or Nigeria’s. Think clearly, pray clearly. The final decision is your call.”
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