Jonathan Warns Of Electoral Danger: “Stop Invading Governors!”
Former President Sounds Alarm Over “Unwholesome” Election Day Power Displays
LAGOS — Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has launched a fierce critique against the growing trend of high-ranking political figures “invading” states during off-cycle elections, warning that the practice threatens to derail Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
In a strongly-worded personal statement, Jonathan expressed deep concern over the behaviour seen in recent governorship elections in Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States.
He flagged the massive influx of serving governors, party leaders, and heavily armed aides from outside the voting states as an elite “mob” tactic that creates an atmosphere of intimidation, bullying, and undue pressure on everyday voters.
A Dangerous Precedent
“This trend is unwholesome,” Jonathan warned. “If left unchecked, it could threaten our fragile democracy and have serious long-term implications for democratic stability.”
The former president pointed out that this aggressive mobilization turns democratic contests into high-stakes battles for survival rather than peaceful elections.
He raised the alarm on what might happen if opposing governors start matching “power with power” and “governmental influence with governmental influence” across state lines on election days.
“I Ordered My Own People to Leave”
Drawing on his own time in office, Jonathan recalled similar tensions during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti elections.
He revealed that upon being briefed that senior officials from his own party had descended on those states, he immediately ordered them to pack up and leave.Jonathan argued that those who have held public office carry a higher responsibility to protect institutions rather than intimidate citizens.
Call for Urgent Action
To fix this “troubling trend” before it becomes the accepted norm, Jonathan is calling on the National Peace Committee to urgently convene a high-level stakeholders’ engagement.
He wants a neutral platform where political parties, INEC, security agencies, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and civil society can come together to draw hard boundaries for political conduct.
