Jonathan kicks against govs’ mass presence in off-cycle election states

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has voiced strong opposition to the growing trend of serving governors, senior political office holders, and party leaders converging on states holding off-cycle elections. He warned that this practice could undermine Nigeria's democratic stability.

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The growing practice whereby serving governors, senior political office holders, party leaders and other influential government functionaries, accompanied by large numbers of aides and heavy security details from outside a state, converge on states where elections are conducted raises an issue that demands national attention.

Commenting on the recent Osun governorship election, Jonathan commended the peaceful conduct but expressed deep concern over the "unusual" convergence of influential figures, often accompanied by large entourages and security details. He argued that this conduct, witnessed in recent elections in Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states, should not become normalized in a democratic society.

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The conduct witnessed around the recent elections in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States was, in my view, unusual. It is not a practice that should become normal in a democratic society.

Jonathan recalled similar situations during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections when he was president. On those occasions, he ordered party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states immediately to prevent undue influence. He believes the current trend creates an atmosphere of apprehension, intimidation, and undue pressure during elections.

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I recall that, as President, similar situations arose during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections. On those occasions, senior political leaders mobilised and descended upon the states. Upon being briefed, I ordered party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states immediately.

While acknowledging the right of political parties to campaign and mobilize supporters, Jonathan stressed that the overwhelming presence of senior public officials and powerful political actors on election day can compromise peaceful competition. He cautioned that if left unchecked, this "unwholesome" trend could have serious long-term implications for democratic stability.

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