In an update published by ThisDay, former President Goodluck Jonathan criticized the practice of serving state governors converging in large numbers on states holding off-cycle elections. Speaking on electoral reform, Jonathan warned that high-profile political incursions fan local political tensions and compromise the neutrality of state elections.
Jonathan’s remarks followed the recent governorship election in Osun State, where political heavyweights and campaign contingents from rival parties swept into the state capital. He noted that off-cycle elections should reflect the uncoerced will of local voters rather than become battlegrounds for national political dominance.
Electoral rights advocates echoed Jonathan’s concerns, urging INEC and security forces to enforce strict campaign codes to prevent political intimidation during localized elections. Reforms to limit political interference during regional polls remain a major recommendation among democracy watchdogs.
Naija News covered the former president’s statement, quoting Jonathan as stating, “This Must Be Stopped – Jonathan Faults Govs’ Invasion Of States During Off-Cycle Elections”. Premium Times also highlighted the reaction, noting that “the former President’s remark comes following the just-concluded Osun Governorship Election, where All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and their entourage stormed Osogbo”.
Echotitbits take:
Jonathan’s critique touches on a fundamental flaw in Nigeria’s off-cycle election dynamics. Restricting gubernatorial interference from outside states is essential to reducing political monetization and preventing localized voter intimidation.
Source: Channels TV – https://www.channelstv.com/2026/08/18/jonathan-decries-unwholesome-trend-of-govs-political-leaders-in-states-during-off-cycle-polls/, August 19, 2026
Photo credit: Britannica
