Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on political actors and stakeholders in Edo State to prioritize peace and security ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. In a statement released by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan urged politicians to pursue their ambitions within the confines of the law and to avoid actions that could jeopardize the stability of the state.
Jonathan stressed the importance of peaceful elections, emphasizing that democracy loses its essence when citizens are unable to exercise their political rights in a free and fair environment. He also appealed to state institutions involved in the electoral process, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, to remain neutral and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
“The moral burden is on state agencies, especially the police and INEC, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities as impartial arbiters in the democratic process,” Jonathan stated. He highlighted the importance of transparency and fairness, warning that a loss of confidence in the election process could lead to political disputes, social unrest, voter apathy, and other consequences that would harm Nigeria's democratic development.
Jonathan further encouraged security agencies to maintain neutrality and avoid any actions that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process. He emphasized that for democracy to thrive, elections must be free from manipulation, allowing citizens to elect leaders who can deliver good governance and prosperity.
The former president's message comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible election in Edo State.
