Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a peaceful and secure atmosphere in the lead-up to the Edo governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21. In a statement released by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan urged all stakeholders and contestants to prioritize harmony and abide by the law.
“It is encouraging that civil rule has endured in the Fourth Republic for 25 years, but we should remind our people that democracy loses its value when citizens cannot exercise their political choices in a free and fair atmosphere,” Jonathan emphasized.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming election, he stressed the responsibility of the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as impartial arbiters in Nigeria’s democratic process. “Security agencies must conduct themselves in optimal neutrality and desist from actions that could alter the setting for a level-playing field and compromise the credibility of the electoral process,” he stated.
Jonathan also urged INEC to meet expectations as an unbiased authority, asserting that transparency is vital for building trust among all participants. “There is no doubt that loss of confidence in an election encourages political disputes, social unrest, voter apathy, increased polarization, and other far-reaching consequences that could undermine development and democratic consolidation,” he warned.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of a fair electoral process: “For democracy to endure, our leadership recruitment process must be devoid of all forms of manipulation, and state institutions must guarantee peaceful, credible, and transparent elections. That way, citizens will be able to elect leaders of their choice who they will entrust with the legitimacy to deliver good governance, peace, and prosperity.”
As the Edo governorship election approaches, Jonathan’s call for peace and neutrality resonates strongly amid heightened political tensions, reminding all involved of their critical roles in upholding Nigeria’s democratic values.