Jonathan faults ‘heavy presence’ of governors, political leaders in states during off-cycle elections
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned against a “growing practice” of serving governors and powerful political figures converge on states for off-cycle governorship elections.
Jonathan made the remark in a statement on Tuesday, where he commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the August 15 governorship election in Osun state.
Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, Bola Oyebamiji, a former commissioner for finance in the state, and Najeem Salaam, former two-term speaker of the state house of assembly, contested the election alongside 13 other candidates.
However, the incumbent governor defeated Oyebamiji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Salaam, the ADC flagbearer, in the poll, clinching 19 of the 30 LGAs in the state, while the APC candidate won the remaining 11.
Jonathan said the outcome of the Osun election showed that, despite the challenges confronting Nigerian democracy, the country possesses the capacity to conduct elections in a manner that strengthens public confidence in its democratic institutions.
“I therefore commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, political parties and, most importantly, the people of Osun State for the peaceful conduct of the recent governorship election,” Jonathan said.
“While we commend the electoral process itself, there are developments surrounding the election and, more importantly, an emerging trend in political conduct during off-cycle elections that raises concerns.
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.”
‘I ORDERED THEM TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY’
Jonathan recalled that similar situations arose during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections when he was president.
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.
“This trend is unwholesome. If left unchecked, it could threaten our fragile democracy and have serious long-term implications for democratic stability.”
The former president noted that political parties have the right to campaign, mobilise supporters and deploy their legitimate party structures, adding that such activities are essential to democracy.
He, however, said there is a point at which political mobilisation, particularly when it involves the overwhelming presence of serving governors, senior public officials and powerful political actors from across the country on election day, could create an atmosphere of apprehension, intimidation, bullying and undue pressure.
We must ask ourselves whether the increasing deployment of political power and large-scale mobilisation by senior office holders on election day in states holding elections is consistent with the spirit of free, fair and peaceful democratic competition,” Jonathan said.
“We must not allow political competition to become a contest in which victory is perceived as something that must be achieved at all costs.
The former president also raised concerns about the precedent the practice could set if it becomes established.
“If the current trend becomes established, what happens when governors from opposing political parties begin to descend on every state holding a competitive election? What happens when each party seeks to match political power with political power, governmental influence with governmental influence, and mobilisation with counter-mobilisation?” Jonathan asked.
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 the issue should not be treated as a partisan dispute concerning the Osun election but as a broader national issue concerning the future of Nigeria’s electoral democracy.
Those of us who have occupied public office must recognise that our conduct carries a greater responsibility,” Jonathan added.
“The power and influence attached to public office should be used to strengthen democratic institutions, not to create apprehension among political opponents or citizens.”