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

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned against the growing practice of serving governors, senior political office holders and party leaders converging on states where off-cycle elections are being conducted, saying the trend could threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability

Jonathan raised the concern in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday while commenting on the recently concluded Osun governorship election.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties and the people of Osun State for the peaceful conduct of the election, but expressed concern over what he described as an emerging trend in political conduct during off-cycle polls.

Jonathan said the conduct witnessed around recent elections in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states was unusual and should not become normal in a democratic society.

“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 being conducted raises an issue that demands national attention.

“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,” he said.

The former president recalled similar situations during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections when he was president.

“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,” he said.

Jonathan warned that the trend could create an atmosphere of apprehension, intimidation and undue pressure during elections.

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

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