‘Demands national attention – Jonathan decries Akpabio, APC govs’ influence in Osun election

Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has condemned what he described as an emerging trend in political conduct, where governors and other political leaders from outside a state attempt to influence the outcome of off-cycle elections.

Jonathan made the remark in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to the outcome of the just-concluded governorship election in Osun State.

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There were reports that about 16 governors, who are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, were in Osun State to rally support for the party’s candidate.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and other top political leaders were also in the state a few days to the election, raising concerns over their intentions.

But ex-President Jonathan, in his reaction, warned that such political conduct demands national attention.

“While we commend the electoral process itself, there are developments surrounding the election and, more importantly, an emerging trend in political conduct during off-cycle elections that raises concerns.

“The growing practice whereby serving governors, senior political office holders, party leaders and other influential government functionaries, accompanied by large numbers of aides and heavy security details from outside a state, converge on states where elections are being conducted, raises an issue that demands national attention,” he said.

He also pointed out that similar political outings were recorded during the off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Ondo State, describing the trend as unusual.

“It is not a practice that should become normal in a democratic society”, Jonathan added.