Jonathan made the remarks at the Nigerian Bar Association Law Week in Abuja, where he spoke extensively on the need for electoral reforms and stronger democratic institutions.…....
He noted that elections in Nigeria have increasingly been associated with fear, intimidation, and the use of armed groups, a development he said discourages genuine participation by citizens and undermines public trust in the electoral process.
The former president stated, “Nigeria, I’m not sure if 1% of young people live with guns but during the election, they will go with their guns”.
He explained that the situation reflects a disturbing reality where political actors allegedly mobilise and arm young people during election periods, turning what should be a peaceful democratic exercise into a tense and sometimes violent contest. According to him, this not only endangers lives but also damages the image of the country’s democracy in the eyes of the international community.
Jonathan stressed that such trends must be urgently addressed through reforms that ensure elections are free, fair, and devoid of violence. He called on political leaders to take responsibility by discouraging the use of thugs and instead promoting issue-based campaigns that focus on development and governance.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to strengthen enforcement mechanisms during elections, insisting that credible elections cannot exist where intimidation and violence are allowed to thrive. He added that restoring public confidence in elections is essential for increasing voter participation and strengthening democratic legitimacy.