Former President Goodluck Jonathan says African nations should embrace a generational shift in governance, stressing that the continent needs leaders between the ages of 25 and 50 to effectively tackle the demands of modern leadership.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja during his remarks at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former head of state, Murtala Ramat Muhammed.
Jonathan, who spoke on the physical and mental demands of public office, said governance requires extraordinary stamina, recalling the intense pressure he faced while serving as president.
“Why do we begin to think that you must be a hundred years old before you can rule your country?” he asked.
He said younger leaders are better positioned to withstand the pressures associated with national leadership.
“If they need to stay awake for 24 hours, they can stay awake for 24 hours. When I was in office, some days I did not sleep up to two hours. If you subject an older person to that kind of stress, the person will spend 50 per cent of the time in hospital,” Jonathan said.
The former president stressed that Africa must deliberately create pathways for younger generations to assume positions of authority, describing vibrancy and resilience as critical attributes for effective governance.
“If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look within the 25 to 50 age bracket. That is when you can be very vibrant, physically strong and mentally sound,” he added.
Jonathan aligned his position with Nigeria’s youth inclusion campaign, the Not Too Young To Run movement, which seeks to lower constitutional age limits for elective offices.
“I have to reinforce the Not Too Young To Run movement. We have to bring some of these age limits down,” he said.
He recalled that, at a time, candidates had to be at least 40 years old to contest for positions such as senator, governor or deputy governor.
“I sometimes remember when I contested as a deputy governorship candidate. You had to be 40 years old before you could even be a senator, a deputy governor or a governor, not to talk about president. Yet the Head of State we are celebrating today assumed office at 38,” he noted.
Jonathan, while reflecting on the legacy of Murtala Muhammed, described the late military ruler as proof that age is not a barrier to impactful leadership. Muhammed became Head of State at 38 and, despite ruling for only 200 days, left what Jonathan called a “profound” mark on Nigeria’s political history.
“General Murtala Muhammed assumed office at the very young age of 38. Despite a tenure of only 200 days, his achievements were profound because he was driven by a clear, unyielding vision,” he said.
“His leadership sent a clear message: leadership was to serve the national interest, not personal ambition.”
Jonathan also cited Yakubu Gowon, who became head of state at 32 and led the country through the civil war, and later established the National Youth Service Corps.
“A young man of 32 managed to pull the country through the civil war. So why do we now think leadership must only come at old age?” he asked.
The former president further criticised what he described as the excessive foreign travels of some public office holders, arguing that absentee leadership weakens governance and security.
“In a country like the United States, some governors do not leave their states for four years. But here, some of our governors spend 50 per cent of their time outside. So who runs the state? Why will we not have security problems?” he queried.
Jonathan stressed that discipline and accountability must accompany leadership, regardless of age.
“Coming of age must transcend many things. First and foremost, we must have the discipline to manage ourselves,” he said.
Praising the decisiveness associated with military-era leadership, Jonathan cautioned that democratic governance operates differently and must be anchored on strong institutions rather than powerful personalities.
“Democracy requires vision rather than decree. It requires persuasion instead of command. It depends on institutions, not individuals,” he said.
He further stated that democracy demands “respect for the rule of law and the willingness to submit power to the will of the people.”
He stressed that credible electoral bodies, an independent judiciary, professional security agencies and accountable governance structures are critical to sustaining democracy.
“While General Murtala Muhammed symbolised decisive leadership, our democratic future depends on strong institutions. Democracy also demands restraint and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
The former president urged both leaders and aspiring young politicians to see governance as service rather than entitlement.
He further stated, “Young people must see leadership as service, not entitlement. Leaders must see governance as stewardship, not a right.
“As we mark 50 years of General Murtala Muhammed’s legacy, let us remember that leadership is not measured by how long you govern; it is measured by the courage to act decisively when the nation needs direction and by the impact you make on society.”
