Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has urged all electorates and politicians to avoid violence and conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner during Saturday’s governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States.
This follows the off-circle governorship elections that will be happening simultaneously in these three states on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
Jonathan, however, in a statement personally signed by him and made available on X, urged electorates and politicians to refrain from all activities that will disturb the collective peace and stability of the states and Nigeria at large.
Speaking ahead of the election, the former president said: “As citizens of voting age in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States go to the polls for governorship election tomorrow, I urge all electorates and politicians to avoid violence and conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner.
“Let us refrain from all activities that will jeopardize the collective peace and stability of our states and our country,” the former President said.
“A man who means well for his people would not recruit thugs to maim and kill the very people he wants to govern.
“Let me reiterate that nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any citizen. Therefore, let us resist the temptation and inducements that may be deployed as agents of destruction.
“For democracy to endure and be impactful, we must ensure that the leadership recruitment process, especially elections, are credible, transparent, fair and peaceful.
“I urge the electoral management body, security agencies and other stakeholders to be professional and patriotic in the discharge of their responsibilities during and after the election.
“Democracy draws its strength from the people; let us work to strengthen the confidence of the people by ensuring that the electoral process is peaceful and transparent.
“It is the collective responsibility of all.