Jonathan Raises Alarm Over Govs’ Interference In Off-Cycle Elections: ‘This Must Be Stopped

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised the growing practice of serving governors and other senior political figures travelling to states to participate in off-cycle elections, warning that the trend could pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Jonathan made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, August 18, following the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

His comments came after several APC governors and their supporters travelled to Osogbo to campaign for the party’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who eventually lost to Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party.

The former president noted that similar scenes had been witnessed during the governorship elections in Ekiti and Ondo states, describing the growing practice as a development that requires national attention.

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and Osun voters for their conduct during the election, Jonathan said political mobilisation on election day should have clear limits.

“The growing practice whereby serving governors, senior political office holders, party leaders and other influential government functionaries, accompanied by large number 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.”

According to him, such a practice should not become normal in a democratic society because it could create an atmosphere of intimidation, apprehension and undue pressure.

‘I Ordered Party Leaders To Leave’

Jonathan recalled that similar situations occurred during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections while he was president.

He said he responded by directing party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states.

“Upon being briefed, I ordered party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states immediately.”

The former president acknowledged the right of political parties to campaign, mobilise supporters and deploy legitimate party structures.

However, he warned that the presence of large numbers of serving governors and powerful political actors on election day could undermine the atmosphere required for free and peaceful elections.

Jonathan questioned whether political competition should involve the deployment of governmental influence and political power to secure electoral victory.

He warned that if the trend continues, governors from opposing parties could begin descending on every state holding an off-cycle election, potentially turning elections into high-stakes political confrontations.

“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.”

Jonathan Calls for National Dialogue

The former president urged the National Peace Committee to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to establish acceptable boundaries for political conduct during elections.

He said the proposed engagement should involve INEC, registered political parties, security agencies, the National Assembly, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, civil society organisations and the media.

Jonathan said the National Peace Committee was well positioned to lead the discussion because of its experience in bringing political actors together during periods of tension.

“An early national conversation can help us establish appropriate boundaries and expectations for political conduct before practices that are unusual today become accepted as normal tomorrow.”

He stressed that political leaders who have held public office have a greater responsibility to protect democratic institutions and ensure that political contests do not degenerate into intimidation or confrontation.