Jonathan Warns Against Political Mobilization in Elections

Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed concern over the increasing presence of serving governors, senior political officeholders, and influential political actors in states during off-cycle elections, which he believes could undermine Nigeria's democratic stability. In a statement regarding the recent governorship election in Osun State, Jonathan commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and the citizens for the peaceful conduct of the election.

However, he highlighted the unusual trend of external political figures mobilizing in states during elections, referencing similar occurrences during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections when he was president. He had previously ordered party leaders and senior officials to vacate the states upon learning of their presence.

Jonathan acknowledged the right of political parties to campaign but warned that excessive mobilization by senior officials on election day could create an atmosphere of intimidation and pressure, which is inconsistent with the principles of free and fair democratic competition.