Osun Guber: GEJ Frowns at Convergence of Political Functionaries for Off-Cycle Elections
Former President GOODLUCK JONATHAN says the time has come to set new boundaries for political conduct during off-cycle elections, as reactions continue to trail the Osun State governorship election.
GOODLUCK JONATHAN said the outcome of the Osun State governorship election demonstrates that Nigerian citizens possess the capacity to conduct elections in a manner that strengthens public confidence in democratic institutions.
In a statement shared on his social media handles, JONATHAN commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the security agencies, political parties and, most the people of Osun State for the peaceful conduct of the election.
However, he expressed concern over the growing practice by serving governors, senior political office holders, party leaders and other influential government functionaries to converge on states involved in off-circle election.
With reference to the recent governorship polls in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states, JONATHAN condemned the usual relocation of major political actors to the states, warning that such practice should not be normalised in a democratic society.
GOODLUCK JONATHAN recalled that when similar situations were brought to his attention as President during off-circle elections in Anambra State in 2013, and Ekiti State in 2014, he ordered party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states immediately.
JONATHAN said such unwholesome trend, if left unchecked, could threaten Nigeria’s fragile democracy, with serious long-term implications for the country’s democratic stability.
He acknowledged that 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.”
The former President who lost his re-election bid in 2015 and enjoyed growing international reputation for conceding defeat, said Nigerians must ask themselves “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.”
Admitting that such is hardly the trend in other democratic countries, 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.”
Furthermore, he said “there is also the question of precedent. 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?”
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Former President GOODLUCK JONATHAN, therefore, called on the National Peace Committee to convene, as soon as practicable, a stakeholders’ engagement for political leaders and other stakeholders to reflect on emerging practices around elections and agree on standards that will protect our democracy and preserve peace.
“The engagement should bring together key stakeholders, including the leadership of registered political parties; the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); relevant security agencies; the leadership of the National Assembly; the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); the Nigeria Governors’ Forum; civil society organisations; and the media, to interrogate this troubling trend.
“I believe that the National Peace Committee is particularly well placed to lead this conversation because of the confidence and moral authority it has built over the years in bringing political leaders together at moments of national tension.
“An early national conversation can help us establish appropriate boundaries and expectations for political conduct before practices that are unusual today become accepted as normal tomorrow” he stated.