The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) has urged governments and stakeholders across Africa to prioritize inclusive governance, empowering citizens to determine their political future. This call was made on the occasion of the 2026 International Day of Democracy. According to the Foundation, democracy must extend beyond election routines to deliver tangible dividends. The GJF emphasized that meaningful democracy guarantees fundamental rights, expanding freedoms, and shared prosperity for all citizens.
The theme of this year's International Day of Democracy, 'Raising Hands and Voices – Fostering Agency and Ownership Through Deliberative Democracy,' aligns with the Foundation's mission and core programming. The GJF's Communications Officer, Mr. Wealth Ominabo, highlighted the significance of this theme. The Foundation has actively promoted deliberative governance through initiatives such as its annual 'Democracy Dialogue,' national peace conferences, and electoral mediation missions across West Africa.
The Executive Director of the GJF, Ms. Ann Iyonu, stressed that democracy is only meaningful when it serves all citizens and places the people at the center of governance. The Foundation reiterated that democracy must go beyond periodic elections to ensure that citizens actively decide who governs them and how they are governed. This approach empowers individuals to determine the direction of their nation's governance.
The GJF's call for inclusive governance comes at a time when Nigeria and other African countries are preparing for upcoming elections. The Foundation's emphasis on deliberative democracy is crucial in ensuring that citizens' voices are heard and valued in the governance process. By promoting inclusive governance, the GJF aims to build a society that is peaceful, just, and egalitarian.
In a related development, Nigeria's electoral commission, INEC, has released the final list of candidates for the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 2027. The list includes 18 political parties contesting the presidential election, with their respective presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Notable candidates include President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The Labour Party (LP) standard bearer for Ikwerre State Constituency, Hon. Stasi Amadi, has vowed to mentor her constituents and promote unity and cooperation if elected to the Rivers State House of Assembly. Amadi emphasized that leadership should be anchored on mutual understanding and a strong bond between the people and their representative.
Key stakeholders, including civil society organizations and citizens, are expected to play a crucial role in promoting inclusive governance and ensuring that democracy serves the needs of all citizens. The GJF's advocacy for deliberative democracy is a step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- Goodluck Jonathan Foundation calls for inclusive governance and citizen empowerment in Africa.
- The Foundation emphasizes that democracy must extend beyond election routines to deliver tangible dividends.
- The theme of this year's International Day of Democracy focuses on deliberative democracy and citizen agency.
