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.
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.
While we commend the electoral process itself, there are developments
surrounding the election and, more importantly, an emerging trend in
political conduct during off-cycle elections that raises concerns.
The growing practice whereby serving governors, senior political office
holders, party leaders and other influential government functionaries,
accompanied by large numbers of aides and heavy security details from
outside a state, converge on states where elections are being conducted
raises an issue that demands national attention.
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.
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.
This trend is unwholesome. If left unchecked, it could threaten our fragile
democracy and have serious long-term implications for democratic
stability.
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.
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. 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.
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.
For this reason, I call on the National Peace Committee to convene, as
soon as practicable, a stakeholders’ engagement. The purpose of such
a meeting should be to provide a neutral and constructive platform 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.
(Signed)
Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010-2015)
Founder/Chairman Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF)
