Jonathan Decries ‘Unwholesome’ Trend Of Govs, Political Leaders In States During Off-Cycle Polls
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has faulted what he described as the “unwholesome” practice of serving governors, political officeholders, party leaders, and other influential figures converging on states where off-cycle elections are being conducted with large entourages of aides and security personnel. Jonathan, who led Nigeria between 2010 and 2015, said the practice was an “emerging trend […]…
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has criticized the growing phenomenon of political leaders and influential figures descending on states where off-cycle elections are taking place, bringing extensive entourages of aides and security personnel. Speaking on his official X handle, Jonathan expressed concern over what he deemed an "emerging trend in political conduct during off-cycle elections that raises concerns."
The Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo governorship elections recently witnessed this trend, which Jonathan described as unusual and not conducive to a healthy democratic society. In his post, Jonathan recalled similar occurrences during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti elections, when he was president. He ordered party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states immediately upon being briefed.
While political parties have the right to campaign and mobilize their supporters, Jonathan maintained that there is a threshold beyond which such political mobilization can create an atmosphere of apprehension, intimidation, and undue pressure.
Written by urgent.news from The Chronicle Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
