Jonathan warns against governors’ presence during off-cycle elections
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over the increasing presence of serving governors and senior political figures in states holding off-cycle elections. He believes this trend could undermine Nigeria’s democratic stability and create an atmosphere of intimidation. Jonathan commended the peaceful conduct of the Osun governorship election but warned that the unusual political mobilization seen in recent elections should not become the norm. He urged political leaders to prioritize national interest and democratic values over partisan gains.
Key takeaways
- Goodluck Jonathan criticized the mass convergence of governors and political office holders in states with off-cycle elections, calling it a threat to democracy.
- He noted that similar situations occurred during the Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo elections, describing the conduct as unusual for a democratic society.
- Jonathan recalled ordering party leaders and officials to leave election states during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections when he was president.
- He warned that such practices could create fear, intimidation, and pressure, undermining free and fair elections.
- Jonathan emphasized that public officials should use their influence to strengthen democracy, not to intimidate opponents or voters.
