Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged political actors and stakeholders to prioritize peace and security in the Edo governorship election. He urged politicians to pursue their interests within the law and avoid activities that could undermine state peace and stability. Jonathan emphasized that democracy loses its value when citizens cannot exercise their political choices in a free and fair atmosphere. He also called on state institutions to maintain neutrality, create a level-playing field, and ensure a free and fair election.
He claimed that the Edo election put a moral obligation on state institutions, particularly the INEC and the police, to fulfill their constitutional roles as impartial arbiters of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Security agencies have to act with the utmost impartiality and refrain from doing anything that would make it harder for everyone to play fairly and undermine the legitimacy of the election process.
The INEC, for its part, needs to uphold its reputation as an impartial arbiter and foster trust among all stakeholders by ensuring that the voting process is transparent.
Loss of confidence in elections can lead to political disputes, social unrests, voter apathy, increased polarization, and other negative consequences that could undermine development and democratic consolidation. To ensure democracy, leadership recruitment must be free from manipulation and state institutions must ensure peaceful, credible, and transparent elections. This allows citizens to elect leaders who can deliver good governance, peace, and prosperity.
Ultimately, a fair and transparent electoral process is crucial for upholding the principles of democracy and maintaining social cohesion. By promoting accountability and legitimacy in governance, free and fair elections contribute to the overall stability and progress of a nation.
