Goodluck Jonathan warns politicians: stop rigging elections, uphold rules

Former President Goodluck Jonathan warned politicians to stop rigging elections in the name of politics, speaking at a public lecture held to mark the 80th birthday of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi, on September 24, 2026. He said electoral contests must be governed by established rules and that pursuing victory cannot justify misconduct.

Jonathan stressed that politics is like a soccer match—you play by the rules, and when you break them, the courts step in to mediate. Otherwise, anyone could do anything, win an election, and walk away unpunished. He added that Nigeria’s fight against corruption needs more than laws and enforcement agencies; lasting change depends on building a society where ethical conduct is valued and wrongdoing is rejected.

His remarks come amid growing concerns about election integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections, referenced by recent clashes at the Ekiti Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and calls from various groups for fair play. For citizens, the message is clear: support transparent electoral processes, demand accountability from leaders, and promote integrity in your own civic participation—because the health of democracy rests on everyone’s commitment to the rules.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/24/stop-rigging-elections-in-the-name-of-politics-jonathan/