…says Older Leaders can’t perform effectively with the pressures of public office
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a significant generational shift in African leadership, arguing that individuals between the ages of 25 and 50 are better equipped to handle the grueling physical and mental demands of modern governance.
Speaking on Thursday at the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference marking the 50th anniversary of General Murtala Muhammed’s assassination, Jonathan emphasized that the presidency requires exceptional stamina and resilience.
Reflecting on his own tenure, Jonathan shared that the pressures of the office often left him with only a few hours of sleep, a reality he believes is increasingly difficult for older leaders to navigate effectively.
“Why do we begin to think that you must be a hundred years old before you can rule your country?” he asked, stressing that younger leaders are more capable of remaining vibrant and mentally sound under intense stress.
He aligned his position with the “Not Too Young To Run” movement, advocating for the removal of discriminatory age barriers to encourage proactive youth participation in politics.
To illustrate the impact of youthful leadership, Jonathan cited the examples of General Murtala Muhammed, who assumed power at 38 and left a transformative legacy in just 200 days, and General Yakubu Gowon, who led the country at 32 and established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
However, the former president cautioned that youth alone is not a guarantee of success.
He maintained that discipline, patriotism, and the strengthening of democratic institutions rather than the command of individuals remain the essential foundations for a nation’s progress.
The event, themed “Has Africa Come of Age?”, brought together several regional leaders, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and John Kufuor, to reflect on the legacy of Murtala Muhammed.
Jonathan concluded by urging young Africans to view leadership as a selfless burden of stewardship rather than an entitlement, reminding the audience that a leader’s true measure lies in their courage to act decisively for the national interest.
