Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for new standards of political conduct during Nigeria’s off-cycle elections, warning that the growing practice of influential politicians converging on states during governorship polls could undermine the country’s democracy.

In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Jonathan commended the peaceful conduct of the recent Osun State governorship election, describing it as evidence that Nigeria is capable of conducting credible elections that inspire public confidence.

“The outcome of the recent governorship election in Osun State demonstrates that, despite the challenges confronting our democracy, we possess the capacity to conduct elections in a manner that strengthens public confidence in our democratic institutions,” he said.

The former president praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and the people of Osun State for ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

“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 stated.

Despite the successful conduct of the election, Jonathan expressed concern over what he described as an emerging pattern in Nigeria’s off-cycle elections, where serving governors, senior political office holders, party leaders and other influential government officials, accompanied by large entourages and security details, converge on states conducting elections.

“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,” he said.

Jonathan recalled that a similar situation occurred during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections while he was president.

“I recall that, as President, similar situations arose during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections. 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.”

Describing the trend as “unwholesome,” the former president warned that allowing it to continue unchecked could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

“This trend is unwholesome. If left unchecked, it could threaten our fragile democracy and have serious long-term implications for democratic stability,” he said.

Jonathan acknowledged that political parties have the right to campaign and mobilise supporters but stressed that there should be limits to the presence of powerful political actors on election day.

“Political parties are entitled to campaign, mobilise their supporters and deploy their legitimate party structures. That is an essential part of democracy. However, 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, can create an atmosphere of apprehension, intimidation, bullying and undue pressure.”

He questioned whether the increasing deployment of political influence by senior office holders during elections aligns with the principles of free and fair democratic competition.

“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 added that such practices are uncommon in other democracies and cautioned against turning elections into contests where victory must be secured at all costs.

“This hardly happens in other democratic countries. 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 warned of the precedent such actions could set if rival political parties begin deploying governors and senior officials to every off-cycle election across the country.

“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?”

According to him, such a development would heighten political tensions rather than strengthen democracy.

“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.”

Jonathan urged Nigerians to treat the issue as a national concern rather than a partisan debate over the Osun election.

“I therefore believe that this matter should not be treated as a partisan dispute concerning the Osun election. It is a broader national issue concerning the future of our electoral democracy.”

He concluded by reminding former and current public office holders of their responsibility to protect democratic institutions through their actions.

“Those of us who have occupied public office must recognise that our conduct carries a greater responsibility. The power and influence attached to public office should be used to strengthen democratic institutions, not to create apprehension among political opponents or citizens.”