Jonathan Tells Politicians to Stop Election Rigging and Play by the Rules

(Former President Goodluck Jonathan. Photo Credit: Premuim Times)

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on politicians to stop rigging elections and respect the rules of democratic competition.

Speaking at a lecture celebrating the 80th birthday of former Attorney-General Kanu Agabi, Jonathan said electoral contests must be governed by established regulations and that the desire to win cannot excuse dishonest conduct.

He compared politics to soccer, noting that the game works because players follow set rules.

When those rules are broken, courts step in to mediate.

Without rules, he suggested, anyone could do whatever they wanted and claim victory.

Jonathan criticised politicians who justify illegal behaviour by labelling it politics, calling such conduct criminal rather than political activity.

He also broadened his comments to Nigeria's broader struggle with corruption, arguing that laws and enforcement agencies alone cannot fix the problem.

Real progress demands building a culture where ethical conduct is prized and wrongdoing is genuinely rejected by society.