Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over what he described as the growing practice of serving governors and influential political leaders converging on states during off-cycle governorship elections.
Jonathan raised the concern in a statement on Tuesday while commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as the successful conduct of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The former president said the increasing involvement of powerful political figures in off-cycle elections could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and create an atmosphere that may influence voters and other stakeholders.
He urged political leaders to allow electoral institutions to operate freely and ensure that elections are conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner.
Jonathan also commended INEC, security agencies, political parties and voters for their roles in the Osun election, stressing the importance of continuous improvements in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The former president’s comments come amid growing attention to the role of political actors in off-cycle elections, particularly as parties and their supporters intensify efforts to secure victory in governorship contests.
He called on all stakeholders to place the interest of democracy above partisan considerations and support electoral processes that reflect the genuine choice of the people.
Credit: TheCable
