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By Seyi Babalola
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advocated for a generational transition in African leadership, encouraging governments across the continent to actively promote younger leaders aged 25 to 50, who he claims are better physically and intellectually prepared for the rigours of modern governance.
Jonathan made the statement on Thursday 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 the demands of leadership, the former president recalled that while in office, he sometimes had no more than two hours of sleep in 24 hours, stressing that advanced age can limit the capacity to cope with the pressures of governance.
“Why do we begin to think that you must be a hundred years old before you can rule your country?” Jonathan asked.
He noted that leadership requires unusual stamina and resilience, arguing that younger leaders are better positioned to withstand the pressure.
“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’s position is consistent with the ethos of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” initiative, which aims to eliminate age requirements for elective seats and encourage youth engagement in politics.
“I have to reinforce the Not Too Young To Run movement. We have to bring some of these age limits down.
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“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.
He also questioned the practice of some public office holders spending extended periods outside their states or countries.
“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 added.
Jonathan reflected on General Murtala Muhammed’s legacy, saying the late leader demonstrated that age was no impediment to courageous and creative leadership. Muhammed became Head of State at the age of 38 and, despite only governing for 200 days, had a long-lasting impact.
“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 referenced other Nigerian leaders who assumed office at relatively young ages, including General Yakubu Gowon, who became Head of State at 32 and later introduced the National Youth Service Corps, which remains in existence to this day.
