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.
The Presidency has made it clear that President Bola Tinubu is not focused on the 2027 election but is more concerned about driving economic reforms to improve Nigerians’ lives.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the president is prioritizing the long-term impact of his economic policies over political strategies.
In a post on his X page, Dare highlighted some of the positive changes under Tinubu’s leadership, including an increase in foreign reserves, a drop in inflation, a growing trade surplus, higher exports, and reduced imports. He also mentioned that Nigeria has attracted over $50 billion in investments and that prices are beginning to drop.
“You have a president who is clearly in control and committed to the decisions he’s made,” Dare said. “The next election isn’t his focus right now. What matters to him is being able to look back at the end of his first term and say, ‘I have improved Nigerians’ lives and turned the economy around.’”
Dare’s remarks come at a time when political realignments are taking shape ahead of 2027. Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, recently visited some top political figures after criticizing the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Following these meetings, El-Rufai left the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as part of efforts to build a strong political coalition that could challenge Tinubu in the next election.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio publicly criticizes Senator Akpoti for participating in a UN, United Nations meeting.
Senator Natasha Akpoti recently arrives at New York to attend the UN meeting in order to call attention to Nigeria. The Senator attends in hopes to claim justice for women in Nigeria.
However, Senator Akpabio claims she has embarrassed Nigeria in the meeting. He accused Senator Natasha of basing her claims on misleading and unverified facts.
Senator Akpabio stated “I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalized the matter, embarrassing the Senate by giving a different narrative. I appreciate Hon. Kafilat for stepping forward to clarify to the international media that what was presented was completely different from reality.”
Nigerian Activist, VeryDarkMan reacts to viral video of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the United Nations in New York.
Senator Natasha makes headline after her accusations against Senator Akpabio, who denied the claims. The Senator has now been spotted at United Nations in New York, leaving many citizens in curiosity.
It can be noted that Senator Natasha has been suspended from the court for her allegations against Senator Akpabio.
However Senator Natasha calls for justice from international democratic institutions for her unwanted suspension. The Senator claims it as an act of injustice and terms it as an illegal suspension.
VDM reacts to the clip seen and stated the Senator made the wrong move. He claimed that no one can serve her justice from United Nations.
“You are making a lot of mistakes and taking wrong moves, reporting the matter to the United Nations shows that you have the wrong advisers sadly, PLAY THE GAME.”
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