Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned political figures contesting the 2027 general elections against manipulating the electoral process or engaging in misconduct to secure victory. The warning was delivered during a public lecture commemorating the 80th birthday of Kanu Agabi (SAN), former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Jonathan’s remarks come as political parties and candidates accelerate preparations for the 2027 polls, with the presidential campaign season already underway. The former president, who conceded defeat to the opposition in the 2015 election, emphasized that political contests must adhere to established rules. 'In politics, it is a disaster. People do stupid things, even criminal things, and they will tell you it is politics. It is not politics. Politics has rules,' he stated.
Jonathan drew parallels between electoral competition and sports, asserting that candidates must operate within defined frameworks. 'Politics is like a soccer match. You play according to the rules, and that is why the courts step in to mediate if you go against the rules. Otherwise, you can do anything and win an election and walk away,' he said. His comments underscored the need for accountability mechanisms to ensure fair play. The former leader also addressed Nigeria’s anti-corruption challenges, arguing that legislative measures alone cannot eradicate graft. 'The challenge before Nigeria is not simply to make laws against corruption. It is to build a culture in which ethical conduct becomes the norm, where public office is treated as a trust, and where institutions are strong enough to uphold accountability,' he asserted.
Drawing from his experience in Rwanda, Jonathan highlighted how social norms there deter public officials from accepting gifts that could compromise trust. He called on Nigerians to take collective responsibility for combating corruption, stating, 'All of us Nigerians have a major role to play if we want to suppress corruption, not just the bodies established by law to discipline and punish those who do it.' The former president also stressed the judiciary’s role in enforcing accountability, emphasizing that violations of electoral and ethical standards must face consequences. His remarks reflect broader concerns about safeguarding democratic institutions amid escalating political competition.
Jonathan’s speech intersected with ongoing debates about Nigeria’s electoral and governance challenges. As the 2027 election cycle gains momentum, his call for adherence to rules and ethical conduct aligns with efforts to strengthen public trust in political processes. The former leader’s emphasis on institutional resilience and cultural change resonates with calls for systemic reforms to ensure transparency and fairness in governance. His address serves as a timely reminder of the stakes involved in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic framework.