Former President Goodluck Jonathan has recommended changes to Nigeria’s approach to election security, citing the enormous deployment of security forces and political mobilization seen during off-cycle elections.
His positions came after the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, when over 15,000 police officers were deployed ahead of the ballot, along with many governors, political leaders, and other top government officials.
Jonathan, in a statement titled “Osun and the Need to Set New Boundaries for Political Conduct in Off-Cycle Elections,” praised the Independent National Electoral Commission, security services, political parties, and Osun voters for the election’s peaceful conduct.
However, he expressed alarm about a rising and “unwholesome” trend in which serving governors, top political officeholders, party leaders, and other key government functionaries congregate in states holding elections, accompanied by huge numbers of aides and security officers.
Jonathan said, “The growing practice whereby serving governors, senior political officeholders, 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.”
He stated that the behavior observed during the recent elections in Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states was exceptional and “is not a practice that should become normal in a democratic society.”
The former president observed that similar scenarios emerged during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections, respectively.
“Upon being briefed, I ordered party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states immediately,” Jonathan said.
While recognizing political parties’ freedom to campaign and mobilize followers, he cautioned that excessive mobilization by serving governors and senior public officials could foster a culture of intimidation.
While recognizing political parties’ freedom to campaign and mobilize followers, he cautioned that excessive mobilization by serving governors and senior public officials could foster a culture of intimidation.
Jonathan questioned whether the behavior was consistent with democratic competition, stressing that elections should not become battles for victory “at all costs.”
He also cautioned that if politicians from opposing parties began competing for governmental power and security-backed mobilization, the implications might be disastrous.
“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,” he said.
Jonathan’s concerns echoed a growing sentiment among many citizens who fear that the erosion of democratic principles could lead to instability. If the focus shifts from governance to mere power struggles, the very foundation of democratic society could be at risk. In this climate of uncertainty, citizens may become disillusioned, leading to increased apathy and disengagement from the political process.
“As trust in institutions wanes, the potential for radicalization and division within society only grows, threatening the fabric of community and shared values.
