Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called for peace and urged state institutions responsible for managing the electoral process to ensure a level playing field that guarantees free and fair voting.
In a statement released on Thursday by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan emphasised the importance of peaceful conduct and neutrality by key state agencies, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police, stressing their role as impartial arbiters in the democratic process.
The former president said the credibility of the electoral process rests heavily on the actions of these institutions, stating, “The Edo election places a moral burden on state agencies, especially the police and INEC, to rise to their constitutional responsibilities as independent and neutral players in our democratic process.”
Jonathan highlighted the need for elections to be free from manipulation to ensure democracy thrives, noting that, “For democracy to endure, elections must be devoid of all forms of manipulation, and state institutions have the obligation to guarantee peaceful, credible, and transparent elections.”
He further urged INEC to uphold its role as an unbiased umpire, capable of inspiring confidence in all parties through transparent voting.
He warned that any erosion of trust in the electoral process could lead to political disputes, social unrest, voter apathy, and increased polarization, all of which could have far-reaching consequences on democratic consolidation and national development.
In his full statement, Jonathan also called on political actors to pursue their interests within the confines of the law, prioritizing the peace and stability of Edo State.
He noted that while democracy in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic has endured for 25 years, its value is diminished when citizens are unable to exercise their political rights in a free and fair environment.
He reiterated the need for security agencies to remain professional and neutral, adding, “Security agencies must conduct themselves with optimal neutrality and avoid actions that compromise the credibility of the process. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must also ensure a transparent process that restores confidence in the electoral system.”
Jonathan reminded Nigerians that credible elections are essential for citizens to elect leaders with the legitimacy to deliver good governance, peace, and prosperity.
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