Winners take all politics inimical to unity, political justice

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that winners-take-all approach politics, which alienates other parties no matter their performance at the polls, is inimical to political justice and the goal to foster unity in the country.

Speaking on Tuesday as the chairman of the occasion at the national symposium to mark this year’s Democracy Day at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he advised the National Assembly to work out a formula for political parties that score a certain percentage of votes in an election to have a role in governance.

The former president observed that the present zero sum practice in the country gives rise to do-or-die politics.

Jonathan, who was the President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 stated: “As I round off, let me say that we need to come up with a model of democratic practice. That will be more inclusive and reinforces social cohesion.

“The zero sum kind of politics, where a winner takes it all has not helped is 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 sub national level should have something to home with. I’m not clearly recommending proportional representation but different governments come up with models of democracy that suits them.

“After all, the presidents of the we’re talking about all presidents of the world don’t emerge through the same process. In Nigeria, we elect our president directly. In a number of countries, presidents are elected indirectly.

“The powers of the presence as defined by different constitutions and so on and so forth.

“So our national assembly can also look at models that will suit us.

The zero sum that where a party that even sometimes gets 40% of votes especially at the state levels will have nothing, gives rise to this Do or Die politics.

“That zero sum approach, I think it’s inimical to consolidating and strengthening our democracy.

“Let me conclude by saying that together, we can forge a Nigeria where every citizen has a voice, where opportunities abound, 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.”

President Jonathan advised the President Bola Tinubu administration to ensure that the politics of the next 25 years is transformative and inclusive, saying that there must be a determined effort to dilute politics of region and religion.

He added: “Let us ensure that the next 25 years of our democracy are even more transformative and inclusive and more prosperous for all of us.

“In line with the wordings of our national anthem, I think the second stanza, to hand over to our children a banner without stain.

“We must not hand over to our children a democracy built on politics of region or religion.

“A democracy built on ethnicity does not endure. It will continue to wobble.

“So for the honorable Vice President, you are representing also the president for me, we are hoping that you will build more infrastructure for us, improve the quality of education, health facilities, etc.

“But one key thing that for the next 25 years, you will midwife because you are starting the next 25 years, is to build a democracy that will reduce friction.

“The avalanche of litigations that follow every round of election in Nigeria is very embarrassing. And because of the kind of democracy with practice, democracy built on all kinds of sentiments, either way you worship your God or from the map of the country you come from.

“You people have to gradually make sure that in the next 25 years, this is diluted if we must have a solid and enduring democracy.

“And I know you and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was a key actor in the June 12 crisis will have the capacity to navigate through that process.

“I believe this program and others commemorating this landmark will point the way to that glorious vision, and prepare the nation for a golden time centenary celebrations of enduring democracy.”

Jonathan said 25 years of unbroken democracy is a milestone worthy of celebration considering the nation’s political history, “As it shows, we are making some progress in democratic governance despite the challenges we face in our journey of nationhood.”Noting that the path towards democratic consolidation has been a difficult one, he said the return of democracy in 1999, after many years of military reign, signaled a new phase in the national journey and shared vision of unity, peace and progress.

The former president added: “In the last twenty-five years, we have made modest progress in this regard amid some challenges. As a nation, we built an economy that was once the biggest in the African continent, experienced significant infrastructural growth, made strides in the arts and sports, and recorded many peaceful political transitions at the national and sub-national levels.

“Democracy has also brought about improved access to governance, amplified silent voices and reinforced the idea of sovereignty.

“Whenever I tune in to Nigerian TV stations, especially in the morning and see young men and women discussing and interrogating contemporary political issues and holding leaders to account, I thank God for democracy and appreciate the gains we have made over the years.

“Today, citizens have come to terms with the idea of representative governance, as they have over the years expressed their power to choose their leaders and demand accountable leadership and good governance.

“Our civic space has largely flourished, with a vibrant civil society community, increased media freedoms and an active press.

“Our journey to democratic consolidation has not been an easy one. It has been a mixed bag of gains and losses, progress and pain, within these 25 years. We have continued to deal with the issues of insecurity, social inequality, unemployment as well as electoral disputes and violence.

“Despite the challenges associated with democracy, the general feeling is that citizens prefer democracy to any other form of government.

“As a nation, our resolve has been challenged many times, but through shared faith and unity, we have continued to march on.

“We must underscore the fact that democracy is a journey and not a destination. Our democracy, though still young, has weathered storms, overcome challenges and proven its endurance. It has become a beacon of hope, not just for our nation, but for the entire African continent.

“In these 25 years through four power transitions from one president to another including the death of a seating president, we have seen the gradual strengthening of our democratic institutions, the expansion of civil liberties, and the active participation of our citizenry in the political process. This progress, while commendable, also reminds us that our work is far from done.

“It is, therefore, time to make this journey seamless, through good citizenship, patriotic service as well as sacrificial and exemplary stewardship.

“We must continue to build upon the foundations laid, deepen our democratic roots, and ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt by all Nigerians, regardless of their social, economic or geographic status.

“For democracy to yield its desired dividends, the political class and elite must lead by example and work with unity of purpose to guarantee peace and social justice to the citizens.

“We must work together despite our political differences, accommodate our diversity and prioritise policies that will impact the lives of our citizens.

“As we project towards celebrating the golden jubilee of our uninterrupted democracy, it is imperative to state that we need to work assiduously towards further strengthening state institutions so that they can withstand the shocks that threaten democratic governance.

“Democracy as a form of government is anchored on sets of promises in line with a nation’s development and growth aspirations. The fulfilment of these promises reinforces the citizens’ trust and faith in the government.

“As we celebrate 25 years of unbroken democracy. We look to the future with the hope that democracy has come to stay and that democracy will continue to take firm roots in our nation, and we will have cause to celebrate a centenary of uninterrupteddemocratic governance. “To attain such a feat, the political actors and everyone at the helm of affairs in this country must listen to the voices of the citizens. The lifestyle of the political class should reflect the current realities in our land.”

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