Former President Goodluck Jonathan has explained why he has stayed away from Nigeria’s political battles in recent years.

He said his silence was tied to a strict condition attached to his membership of the West African Elders Forum.

Jonathan spoke in Abuja during the 10th anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The gathering also doubled as an event marking his 68th birthday.

The former leader said the Forum demands complete non-partisanship from all its members.

He noted that the group, made up of former presidents within the region, deploys during elections to calm tensions and prevent unrest.

According to him, the Forum focuses on early intervention, not partisan involvement.

He stated, “The idea is, yes, we observe the elections, but we are not co-observers… we intervene so issues do not snowball into a full crisis.”

Jonathan said the requirement has forced him to disappoint many of his long-time political allies.

He explained that before anyone can remain in the group, they must stop all forms of political participation.

He added, “One clear condition is that you will no longer be an active politician…”

He also expressed concern over what he described as political “rascality” in the country.

Jonathan urged political actors to embrace discipline and proper conduct.

He argued that leadership requires preparation, not crowd behaviour.

Jonathan reacted to the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

He said the incident reopened memories of the Chibok kidnapping during his presidency.

He sympathised with affected families and prayed for the safe rescue of the children.

Jonathan also reflected on how his Foundation was established after the 2015 election.

He said businessman Tony Elumelu encouraged him to focus on an area where he already had international credibility.

That advice led to the Foundation concentrating on democracy and governance.

He recalled that his peaceful concession in 2015 helped shape the organisation’s mission.

Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Foundation, highlighted its achievements across Africa.

She said the group has championed mediation, policy dialogue, and democratic strengthening for a decade.

She noted that their annual Democracy Dialogue has become a major platform for engagement on governance issues.