The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Hassan Kukah, has praised former President Goodluck Jonathan for his role in protecting and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 2025 International Conference organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Accra, Ghana Monitored by The News Chronicle, Bishop Kukah said Jonathan’s historic congratulatory call to Muhammadu Buhari after the 2015 presidential election was a turning point for Nigeria’s democracy.
He noted that Jonathan had the power, resources, and even the military strength to overturn the election results, but instead chose the honorable path of peace. According to him, this decision distinguished Jonathan as a true statesman.
Bishop Kukah, however, warned that greedy and self-serving politicians remain one of the greatest threats to democracy in Africa.
He said many elected leaders replace service with blind ambition and corruption, making life harder for ordinary citizens.
“Once in power, some politicians become a danger to their own people. The massive corruption eating into state resources is unacceptable, and the trappings of power often make leaders lose touch with the people,” he said.
Despite its flaws, Kukah described democracy as the best system to prevent the abuse of power by the few who see themselves as “born to rule.” He called for stronger and more transparent electoral laws that will allow both winners and losers to accept results peacefully.
He also urged Nigerians to avoid violence when elections do not go their way. Instead, he encouraged citizens to express their frustrations through patience, civic responsibility, and participation in future elections.
“The solution to a bad election is another election,” he stressed. “If the process is fair, winners and losers can shake hands and prepare better for the next contest. No one should lose their life over politics.
