Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned against the growing trend of serving governors, senior political office holders, and party leaders converging on states during off-cycle elections, warning that the practice could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement shared on his X handle, Jonathan commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and the people of Osun State for the peaceful conduct of the August 15 governorship election. 

However, he expressed concern over what he described as an “unusual” political practice witnessed in Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states.

Jonathan recalled similar incidents during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections when, as president, he ordered senior political leaders to leave the states to prevent undue influence. 

He warned that the overwhelming presence of governors and powerful officials on election day could foster intimidation, apprehension, and unhealthy competition.

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

While acknowledging that political parties have the right to campaign and mobilize supporters, he stressed that turning elections into contests where victory must be achieved “at all costs” risks deepening political tensions. 

He urged leaders to treat the issue as a national concern rather than a partisan dispute.

Jonathan’s warning came after INEC declared Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke winner of the election, with 511,067 votes against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji’s 444,815.

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