Politics
Jonathan Urges INEC and Security to Ensure Free and Fair Edo Elections
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a level playing field for all candidates in the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.
In a statement released on Thursday, Jonathan called for peace before, during, and after the election, emphasizing the importance of upholding the democratic process with fairness and impartiality.
Jonathan appealed to political actors and stakeholders to prioritize the peace and security of Edo State, stressing that a peaceful election is essential for deepening the nation’s democracy.
He noted that the integrity of the electoral process depends heavily on the conduct of state institutions, particularly INEC and the security forces, and urged them to take their constitutional duties seriously as neutral arbiters in the democratic process.
In the statement, issued by his media adviser Ikechukwu Eze, the former president highlighted the moral obligation of these agencies to ensure elections are free from manipulation and violence.
He emphasized that for democracy to thrive, it is crucial that the election process remains peaceful, credible, and transparent, with state institutions playing a key role in guaranteeing fairness.
Jonathan also urged INEC to fulfill its role as an unbiased umpire, inspiring trust among all participants by conducting a transparent and trustworthy voting process.
He warned that a lack of confidence in the electoral system could lead to political disputes, social unrest, voter apathy, and heightened polarization—consequences that could hinder both the state’s development and the consolidation of democracy.
“As the people of Edo State prepare to cast their votes on September 21, 2024, I call on all political actors to operate within the bounds of the law and avoid actions that could destabilize the peace and security of the state,” Jonathan said.
He encouraged politicians to pursue their ambitions through lawful means, reminding them that democracy is only meaningful when citizens can freely exercise their political choices without fear or interference.
Jonathan also reflected on the 25 years of continuous civil rule in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, noting that while the endurance of democracy is commendable, it loses its value if citizens cannot participate in elections that are truly free and fair.
He emphasized that the legitimacy of the democratic system relies on the ability of citizens to make their political decisions in a secure and impartial environment.
Nigerian singer Seun Kuti causes a stir among the public after his comparison of activist Omoyele Sowore to Peter Obi.
Speaking in a live video, the singer shared his thoughts and stated that Omoyele Sowore is better at politics than Peter Obi. He explained how Sowore has done many works and brought justice like no Nigerian politician ever will.
He then compares the activist to Peter Obi, stating that Sowore is indeed better. Fans reacted to his statement, and many shared their insights on this matter.
Veteran Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo has opened up about what he calls a betrayal by Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party. In a recent interview with Symfoni, Okonkwo revealed that his decision to quit the party earlier in February 2025 was influenced by Obi’s actions during a leadership crisis within the party.
Okonkwo, who once served as a spokesperson for Obi’s presidential campaign, said the former Anambra State governor ignored his counsel and returned to support the Julius Abure-led faction—despite ongoing controversies surrounding that group. He explained that Obi was misinformed by party executives who claimed that the Abure-led camp had been recognised by INEC. But in his view, Obi’s move went against everything he had previously stood for.
“Any serious politician knows how not to be misled,” Okonkwo said. “But in this case, it was Obi who betrayed me. I warned him—these people are not democratic. INEC recognition isn’t enough reason to return to a group that goes against the values you publicly uphold. If you align with them again, you risk your political credibility and everything you’ve worked for.”
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised to keep unsettling those who oppose President Bola Tinubu by continuing to deliver impactful projects across Abuja. Speaking at the commissioning of key roads including the Arterial Road N16 and other projects in the Katampe district, Wike said he now fully understands how much resentment some people have for the President’s achievements since taking office in 2023.
According to Wike, a recent moment while watching TV opened his eyes to how deeply some critics are affected by Tinubu’s progress. “Something just moved me to switch on the TV, and I saw the anger and pain on people’s faces,” Wike said. “Now I get it—some people are really hurting. So I’ve taken it upon myself to increase their blood pressure with more good work.”
He added that while critics stay bitter, he and others will keep enjoying the results of their efforts. “We’ll be smiling, moving around freely, while they stay mad and frustrated. That’s my new mission,” he said. Wike thanked President Tinubu for leading what he described as a development revolution in the FCT.
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