Stop Turning Elections Into Battles for Survival, Jonathan Warns Political Leaders

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the establishment of clearer boundaries for political conduct during off-cycle elections, warning that the increasing mobilisation of serving governors, senior political office holders and other influential political actors could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Jonathan, in a statement on the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and the people of Osun for the peaceful conduct of the poll.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as an emerging trend in which serving governors, senior government officials, party leaders and other influential figures, often accompanied by large numbers of aides and security personnel, converge on states where elections are being conducted.

According to him, the trend witnessed during recent governorship elections in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states was unusual and should not become normal practice in Nigeria’s democratic system.

Jonathan recalled that similar situations occurred during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections when he was President, noting that he had directed party leaders and senior government officials to leave the affected states after being briefed about their presence.

“This trend is unwholesome. If left unchecked, it could threaten our fragile democracy and have serious long-term implications for democratic stability,” he said.

The former President acknowledged that political parties had the right to campaign, mobilise supporters and deploy legitimate party structures, stressing that such activities were essential components of democracy.

He, however, warned that the overwhelming presence of serving governors, senior public officials and powerful political actors from across the country on election day could create an atmosphere of apprehension, intimidation, bullying and undue pressure.

Jonathan questioned whether the growing deployment of political power and large-scale mobilisation by senior office holders during elections was consistent with the spirit of free, fair and peaceful democratic competition.

“This hardly happens in other democratic countries,” he said, urging political actors to avoid turning elections into contests where victory is perceived as something that must be achieved at all costs.

He also warned about the precedent such conduct could establish, asking what would happen if governors from opposing political parties began mobilising heavily in every state holding competitive elections.

Jonathan said such a scenario could result in political parties attempting to match governmental influence with governmental influence and mobilisation with counter-mobilisation, thereby increasing tensions around elections.

“Such a development would not strengthen our democracy. It would deepen political tensions and could make elections increasingly resemble battles for political survival rather than peaceful contests for the mandate of the people,” he said.

The former President urged Nigerians to view the issue beyond partisan arguments over the outcome of the Osun election, describing it as a broader national concern that required attention in the interest of the country’s electoral democracy.

He further urged former and serving public officials to recognise the responsibility that comes with occupying public office, stressing that political power and influence should be deployed to strengthen democratic institutions rather than create apprehension among opponents and citizens.

Jonathan said Nigeria’s democratic progress would be better served by political conduct that promotes confidence, peaceful competition and respect for the electoral process.