Former President Jonathan has champion’s age reduction restrictions for political office holders in Africa, emphasizing the need for more vibrant and capable leadership. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the memorial lecture and leadership conference organized by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Jonathan urged that individuals aged 25 to 50 be prioritized for key governance position.
He argued that politicians within this age range possess superior physical endurance, mental acuity, and resilience needed to handle the demands of high office. “If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look at the age within 25 and 50,” he said, noting that such leaders are capable of staying awake for extended periods and meeting the intense requirements of leadership.
Highlighting historical examples, Jonathan referenced the late Murtala Muhammed, who assumed power at 38 and implemented significant reforms within 200 days, demonstrating the potential impact of younger leadership. He criticized current age thresholds for positions such as senator, deputy governor, governor, and president, describing them as unnecessarily restrictive.
Jonathan also drew on his own experience, revealing that during his tenure he sometimes slept as little as two hours a night, suggesting that older leaders may struggle under similar pressures. He further lamented that some governors spend up to half their time away from their states, contributing to governance inefficiencies, security challenges, and stalled development .
