Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advocated a generational transition in African politics, calling on countries across the continent to intentionally elevate younger leaders between the ages of 25 and 50 whom he described as better suited to handle the demands of modern governance.
Jonathan made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.
Reflecting on his time in office, the former president highlighted the intense physical and mental strain associated with leadership.
“Why do we begin to think that you must be a hundred years old before you can rule your country?” he asked.
He explained that the responsibilities of high office require stamina and resilience, qualities he believes are more common among younger individuals.
“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,” he said.
Jonathan voiced strong support for the “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which campaigns for reduced age requirements for elective offices.
“I have to reinforce the Not Too Young To Run movement. We have to bring some of these age limits down. 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 stated.
He also criticised the tendency of some public office holders to spend extended periods away from their constituencies.
“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? Coming of age must transcend many things. First and foremost, we must have the discipline to manage ourselves,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from General Murtala Muhammed, Jonathan noted that the late leader assumed office at 38 and, despite ruling for just 200 days, left a significant legacy.
“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.
“His leadership sent a clear message: leadership was to serve the national interest, not personal ambition,” Jonathan said.
He also cited General Yakubu Gowon, who became Head of State at 32 and later introduced the National Youth Service Corps, as further evidence that youth is not a barrier to effective leadership.
“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 queried.
However, Jonathan emphasised that age alone does not guarantee good governance. He stressed the importance of discipline, patriotism and robust democratic institutions.
“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.
Encouraging a service-oriented mindset, he added, “Young people must see leadership as service, not entitlement. Leaders must see governance as stewardship, not a right.”
Recalling the age restrictions that once barred younger Nigerians from contesting certain offices, Jonathan urged Africans to learn from history and focus on impact rather than longevity in office.
“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,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating that while military leadership may rely on command authority, democratic governance must be anchored on strong institutions, credible elections, an independent judiciary and accountable systems.
“While General Murtala Muhammed symbolised decisive leadership, our democratic future depends on strong institutions. Democracy requires vision rather than decree. It requires persuasion instead of command. It depends on institutions, not individuals. Democracy also demands restraint and respect for the rule of law,” Jonathan said.
