Ahead of Saturday’s elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan called on Nigerians—especially the youth—to act patriotically, peacefully, and with true sportsmanship as they exercise their civic right to vote. In a message released by his office on Tuesday, Jonathan also urged politicians to reject hatred and violence, to act circumspectly, and to work toward strengthening the nation’s democracy.
Jonathan, the first incumbent president in Nigerian history to concede defeat, addressed the youth directly: “The future belongs to you; do not allow yourselves to be used as agents of destruction and violence. Nigeria is yours to build. This election provides you with the opportunity to be key partners in the nation‑building process by electing leaders of your choice—those you can hold to account, those you trust to defend your future and guarantee unity, peace, and prosperity in our great country.” He emphasized that this moment is “a moment of truth and courage,” noting that democracy has placed the nation’s fate in the hands of its citizens, giving them the power to make the right choices, determine their future, and shape their destiny. He urged everyone to vote in the best interest of the land, to do so peacefully, and to respect the choices and rights of others.
The former president, who led the country from 2010 to 2015, described the 2023 election as a historic week for Nigeria. Citizens of voting age will cast their ballots this weekend to elect the next president and federal parliamentarians, who will be expected to legislate for the common good. Two weeks later, the same exercise will be repeated for governorships and state houses of assembly. Jonathan called for the highest form of patriotism in this nation‑building journey, urging devotion, dedication, and selflessness so that the country’s peace and unity are not jeopardized while citizens pursue their political dreams and aspirations.
Jonathan warned that recent crises of democracy in West Africa and elsewhere have led to unconstitutional changes of government, derailing peace and development. He stressed that elections must not become sources of violence and anarchy, and that citizens must resist those who would turn communities into theatres of conflict for selfish ends. He reminded that the primary purpose of democracy is to uphold the freedom and dignity of citizens and to use governance to improve the well‑being of the people. Consolidating the gains of the past two decades requires elections that are peaceful, just, and fair.
Finally, Jonathan appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders to act professionally, civilly, and non‑partisanly during the election, thereby deepening citizens’ faith in the democratic process and minimizing the risk of electoral violence. He urged politicians to be circumspect, to exercise power selflessly in the interest of the people, and to eschew hatred and violence, displaying true sportsmanship during and after the poll.
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