Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised Nigeria’s current political climate, describing it as a ‘zero-sum’ game that fosters a ‘do-or-die’ approach to elections, News About Nigeria reports.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, said there’s a need for a more inclusive model of democratic practice to promote social cohesion and political justice.
Speaking at the national symposium marking this year’s Democracy Day at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Jonathan stated, “The zero-sum kind of politics, where a winner takes it all, has not helped to foster unity and political justice. A political party, for example, that scored up to 30% of votes during an election either at the national or sub-national level should have something to take home.”
Jonathan suggested that, while he is not specifically recommending proportional representation, Nigeria’s National Assembly should explore models of democracy that better suit the country.
He pointed out that various countries have developed unique democratic systems that reflect their specific needs and contexts.
“In Nigeria, we elect our president directly. In a number of countries, presidents are elected indirectly. The powers of the president, as defined by different constitutions, vary. Our National Assembly can also look at models that will suit us,” he added.
Jonathan stated that the current system, where parties receiving huge portions of the vote end up with no representation, contributes to the intense, often violent competition seen in Nigerian politics.
“That zero-sum approach, I think, is inimical to consolidating and strengthening our democracy,” he noted.
He concluded his speech with a call for unity and a commitment to building a Nigeria where every citizen has a voice and opportunities abound.
“Together, we can forge a Nigeria where the promise of a better tomorrow is not just a dream but a tangible reality. Let us therefore celebrate this milestone with pride and renewed determination,” he said.
Jonathan also warned against handing over a democracy built on the politics of a region or religion to future generations.
He urged the National Assembly to consider developing a system that allows political parties achieving a certain percentage of votes in elections to participate in governance, thereby promoting a more inclusive and just political environment.
