JUST IN: JONATHAN CALLS FOR YOUNGER AFRICAN LEADERS, ADVOCATES 25–50 AGE BRACKET

JONATHAN CALLS FOR YOUNGER AFRICAN LEADERS, ADVOCATES 25–50 AGE BRACKET

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a generational shift in African leadership, urging countries across the continent to deliberately promote leaders between the ages of 25 and 50, whom he described as better equipped to handle the physical and mental demands of modern governance.

Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference marking the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

Reflecting on the demands of executive office, Jonathan noted that leadership often requires extraordinary stamina. He recalled that during his time in office, there were occasions when he slept for less than two hours in a 24-hour period.

“Why do we begin to think that you must be a hundred years old before you can rule your country?” Jonathan asked, emphasizing that governance requires resilience and sustained energy.

According to him, younger leaders are generally better positioned to withstand prolonged stress and demanding schedules. He argued that excessive strain at an advanced age could affect efficiency and overall performance in office.

The former president aligned his position with the spirit of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which advocates lowering constitutional age requirements for elective offices and encouraging greater youth participation in politics.

“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 said.

Jonathan also questioned the frequency with which some public office holders travel outside their states or countries, suggesting that consistent presence and supervision are essential for effective governance. He stressed that leadership must be anchored in discipline and accountability.

Drawing lessons from history, Jonathan highlighted the leadership of General Murtala Muhammed, who became Head of State at the age of 38 and, despite a tenure of about 200 days, left what he described as a lasting national impact.

“His leadership sent a clear message: leadership was to serve the national interest, not personal ambition,” Jonathan said.

He also referenced General Yakubu Gowon, who assumed office at 32 and later introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), underscoring that impactful leadership is not determined solely by age but by vision and decisiveness.

However, Jonathan cautioned that youth alone is not sufficient. He emphasized the importance of discipline, patriotism, and strong democratic institutions. While acknowledging the decisiveness associated with military leadership, he noted that democracy operates differently and depends on institutional strength.

“Democracy requires vision rather than decree. It requires persuasion instead of command. It depends on institutions, not individuals. Above all, it requires respect for the rule of law and the willingness to submit power to the will of the people,” he said.

He encouraged young Africans to view leadership as service rather than entitlement, adding that governance should be seen as stewardship.

“As we reflect on history, leadership should not be measured by how long one governs, but by the courage to act when the nation requires direction and the impact made on society,” Jonathan added.