Decades of credible historical and leadership research demonstrate that history often remembers not only the victories that nations celebrate, but also the noble causes they courageously pursue. Indeed, there are moments when the pursuit of a worthy vision becomes as significant as its final outcome, for such endeavors reveal the values, convictions, and aspirations of those who champion them. It is within this context that our continental initiative to support the emergence of His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, as Africa’s preferred candidate for the office of Secretary-General of the United Nations belongs to that distinguished category.
Today, with profound gratitude, complete clarity of purpose, and steadfast optimism, the African Policy and Research Consortium (APRC) formally brings this advocacy initiative to a respectful conclusion.
Following careful reflection and consideration, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan graciously conveyed his decision that he would not seek consideration for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. That decision conclusively settles the matter, and the African Policy and Research Consortium accepts it with the highest respect and without reservation.
Moreover, leadership is not defined solely by the pursuit of office, but also by the wisdom to recognize when service can take different forms. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Jonathan has demonstrated that true public service is measured not by the accumulation of titles, but by the integrity of the principles upheld and the positive impact created. Accordingly, his response reflects the same humility, restraint, and unwavering commitment to democratic values that have characterized his public life for decades.
Indeed, one of the strongest indicators of democratic maturity is the ability to respect the freely expressed choices of principled leaders, even when those decisions differ from the aspirations of those who support them. The African Policy and Research Consortium remains deeply honored by the opportunity to advocate for a leader whose example continues to inspire confidence in Africa’s capacity for responsible, visionary, and ethical leadership.
How the Initiative Was Born
The foundation of this historic collaborative global campaign was laid through months of thoughtful dialogue, rigorous reflection, and strategic engagement among scholars, diplomats, policy experts, governance practitioners, and civil society leaders across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America.
Within the African Policy and Research Consortium, our deliberations were guided by one fundamental question: If Africa were presented with the opportunity to put forward a statesman whose life and leadership reflected the values of peaceful democratic transition, ethical governance, diplomatic wisdom, and continental credibility, who would most effectively embody these ideals on the global stage? Through extensive discussions and careful assessment, one name consistently emerged as a compelling representation of these qualities: His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR.
Recognizing the broader significance of this opportunity, APRC initiated constructive engagement with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the United Nations, the African Union, distinguished continental leaders, policy institutions, and other strategic stakeholders to encourage meaningful dialogue and informed consideration of Dr. Jonathan’s potential candidacy.
Our support was never founded on personality-driven considerations or political preference. Rather, it was rooted in a thoughtful evaluation of demonstrated leadership, historical contributions, and a record of public service defined by democratic values, reconciliation, and international engagement.
A Heart Filled with Gratitude
On behalf of the African Policy and Research Consortium, I extend our deepest appreciation to every organization, institution, and individual who embraced this vision with conviction, encouragement, and support throughout this historic journey.
Our sincere appreciation begins with the distinguished leadership and members of the African Policy and Research Consortium across our expanding international network. Your intellectual excellence, strategic insight, professional dedication, and steadfast belief in this mission transformed an ambitious idea into a meaningful continental dialogue and a globally recognized conversation about Africa’s role in international leadership.
We are equally grateful to the numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations, policy institutions, academic communities, diplomatic partners, governance experts, civil society organizations, youth movements, professional associations, faith-based organizations, and distinguished individuals who contributed their encouragement, constructive perspectives, and valuable support. Your collective engagement enriched this initiative and strengthened its foundation.
I wish to express special appreciation to the Co-Chairmen of the National Think Tank of Nigeria, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former Minister of External Affairs, and Professor Steve Sinikiem Azaiki, OON, two-time Secretary to the Government of Bayelsa and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Rittman University. Their distinguished leadership has continued to enrich national policy discourse through exceptional statesmanship, intellectual depth, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s advancement. I particularly acknowledge the indispensable role played by Professor Azaiki, whose personal engagement and strategic intervention with former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan provided the critical pathway through which this proposal reached the very leader whose consideration could have transformed a visionary aspiration into a historic possibility.
I also extend my deepest recognition to Dr. Biki S. V. Minyuku, Co-Chairman of the African Policy and Research Consortium and Regional Convenor, APRC-SA-NPC, whose distinguished contributions to governance, reconciliation, and institutional transformation have earned international recognition. His remarkable career includes a significant role in one of Africa’s most consequential reconciliation efforts. As a Secretary of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Dr. Minyuku served with distinction under the moral guidance and visionary leadership of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, contributing to a historic process that advanced national healing, accountability, and unity.
Above all, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the countless Africans, members of the Diaspora, scholars, diplomats, students, researchers, journalists, community leaders, and citizens around the world who embraced this vision with hope and optimism. Your encouragement reaffirmed our shared conviction that Africa possesses leaders with the capacity, experience, and moral authority to contribute meaningfully to global leadership and the service of humanity.
Looking Beyond This Initiative
The conclusion of this advocacy effort does not diminish our broader mission. The African Policy and Research Consortium remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking, principled leadership, democratic governance, peacebuilding, institutional excellence, sustainable development, and Africa’s meaningful participation in shaping the future of global governance.
Our work continues. Our optimism remains undiminished. Our confidence in Africa’s future has never been stronger. Indeed, this initiative has reminded us that genuine leadership is measured not exclusively by political success, but by the courage to envision possibilities beyond the present moment.
The African Policy and Research Consortium remains inspired.
Professor (Amb.) Mondy Selle Gold, CFP, PhD, is Co-Chairman, African Policy and Research Consortium and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance.
