Former President Goodluck Jonathan has rejected the idea that politics is inherently corrupt, emphasizing that it is the people involved in politics who bring unethical practices into the system. He made these remarks during an event in Abuja organized by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) to mark the International Day of Peace.
Jonathan, who is the only Nigerian president to peacefully hand over power to an opposition party, echoed the sentiments of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who previously stated that politics is not dirty but has been tarnished by the "dirty minds, dirty hearts, and dirty character" of some politicians.
Jonathan pointed out that the real issue lies in the mindset of the players in politics, not in the system itself. "People say politics is a dirty game. The way we play our politics is the way we choose to play it. We must all begin to think differently and cultivate a culture of peace," he said.
He also referenced the recent Edo State governorship election, held on September 21, 2024, stating that while technology can play a role in improving elections, it cannot fully resolve the nation's electoral challenges if the human mindset remains corrupt. Jonathan warned that technology could be manipulated if individuals involved in the process have dishonest intentions.
He further expressed concerns about the broader issue of conflict in Africa, particularly leadership struggles, which he identified as a major cause of unrest. "Most conflicts in Africa are due to struggles for leadership and the contestation for power," Jonathan said, adding that this concern also applies to Nigeria.
Jonathan's comments highlight the need for ethical leadership and the cultivation of peaceful political practices to address the underlying causes of conflict and political instability in the region.
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