Abuja, Nigeria - November 20, 2025 President Bola Tinubu has described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a guardian of democracy whose legacy extends far beyond his time in office. Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks on Thursday at a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the Jonathan Good luck Foundation in Abuja. The President described Jonathan as a profound lesson on life after public service, who preserved Nigeria's democracy at a moment when it mattered most. Tinubu also said that the former president's decision to establish the foundation demonstrates that "life begins after service. " There can never be enough words to express the depth of our national gratitude to him. Jonathan has "remained the same guardian of our collective values since leaving office." The president drew a contrast between leaders who use their post-office influence destructively and those who devote themselves to serving humanity. " Some choose a vehicle that serves only themselves, one that pursues causes capable of harming the very society that once carried them. " The other group chooses a nobler path: devoting their life to the service of humanity,” he said. Tinubu said that democracy across West Africa and globally has come under severe threat over the past decade. He added that democracy was weakened by "adventurists, extremists, actors intoxicated by power, and by those who see institutions as inconveniences and elections as formalities." The President emphasised that Jonathan had demonstrated a crucial principle that nobody's ambition supersedes the sovereignty of the state. Tinubu called for national unity and respect for democratic processes, urging Nigerians to accept electoral outcomes regardless of personal preferences. "No matter whether our preferred candidates win or lose, we must learn to respect the wishes of those who vote differently. Because democracy offers us repeated opportunities to renew our mandates." Tinubu described the foundation as a template for us everyone, noting that service is a continuum and that leaving office is not the end of one's national duty but the beginning of a new chapter. "No government can succeed without the cooperation of its people, and no people can advance without a government that listens and leads with clarity. " Our democracy stands because of people like former President Goodluck Jonathan. People who believe that the Nigerian state is bigger than any individual." He congratulated former President Jonathan and his team, expressing hope that the foundation will continue to be a light on the path toward a more peaceful and prosperous Africa. Responding, Jonathan thanked Vice-President Shettima, former President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone and other dignitaries for the honour of attending the event. He explained that the focus of the foundation was prompted by his experience and challenges while in office as Nigeria's leader. He said over the years, the foundation has paid close attention and worked relentlessly on the issues of diplomacy, good governance, election management and promoting the development of democratic institutions. Jonathan expressed his condolences over the recent incidents of abduction and attack on citizens across the country. He called on political leaders to be more responsible to the issue plaguing the security and wellbeing of Nigerians. The guest speaker, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, underscored the significance of functional democracy in Nigeria, emphasising that the youths must be at the centre of all interventions. He said that building a stable future for Africa must be anchored on the functionality of democratic institutions, effective youth empowerment schemes, a free press and an independent judiciary. Chambas extolled the leadership qualities of President Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as an African leader who believes in the values of true democracy. According to him, Jonathan believes in the sanctity of human lives and proved his relevance even outside public office.