Former President, Goodluck Jonathan has called on African countries to prioritize younger leaders, saying individuals between the ages of 25 and 50 are better suited to meet the physical and mental demands of modern governance.
Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday, February 12, in Abuja during 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 presidency, Jonathan noted that effective leadership requires stamina and resilience, recalling that he often slept only a few hours while in office.
“Why must we assume that someone has to be a hundred years old before they can lead a country?” he asked, arguing that younger leaders are generally better equipped to handle the pressures of governance.
He expressed support for the ideals of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which seeks to lower age limits for elective offices and encourage greater youth participation in politics.
“If we want leaders capable of driving Africa forward, we should focus on those within the 25 to 50 age range. That is when people are energetic, physically strong and mentally alert,” Jonathan said.
The former president also questioned the frequency of official foreign trips by some public officials, suggesting that leaders should dedicate more time to managing their states and countries effectively.
Jonathan cited General Murtala Muhammed, who became Head of State at 38 and, despite ruling for just 200 days, left what he described as a bold and transformative legacy. He also referenced General Yakubu Gowon, who assumed office at 32 and later established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as another example of impactful youthful leadership during a pivotal time in Nigeria’s history.
However, Jonathan stressed that age alone does not guarantee good governance. He underscored the importance of discipline, patriotism and strong institutions in sustaining democracy.
“Democracy is built on institutions, not individuals. It thrives on vision rather than decrees, persuasion instead of command, and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
He urged young people to see leadership as an opportunity for service rather than entitlement, encouraging African leaders to embrace governance as a responsibility to the people.
“As we reflect on 50 years since General Murtala Muhammed’s passing, we must remember that leadership is defined not by how long one stays in office, but by the courage to act and the difference made in society,” Jonathan added.
The event drew political leaders, scholars and other stakeholders to deliberate on leadership, governance and Africa’s development path.
