In a message to his fellow citizens on Tuesday, Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Jonathan, urged them to vote for their preferred candidates in Saturday’s election without resorting to violence. He called for true sportsmanship and patriotism during the electoral process.
Jonathan also directed his message to politicians, urging them to avoid hatred and violence and to act carefully to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
The ex-president specifically addressed the country’s youth, telling them that the future belongs to them and that they should not allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction and violence. He encouraged them to be critical partners in the nation-building process by electing leaders they trust to defend their future and guarantee unity, peace, and prosperity in the country.
According to Jonathan, the upcoming election is an opportunity for the citizens to elect leaders who will be accountable to them and work towards Nigeria’s progress. He emphasized the importance of peaceful participation in the democratic process.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, has been an active participant in the country’s political landscape since leaving office. He has been involved in regional peacekeeping efforts, election monitoring, and international diplomacy.
“To all citizens, this is a moment of truth and courage. Democracy has put our fate in our hands. It has given us the power to make the right choices, determine our future, and shape our destiny.
“I urge you all to make your respective choices in the best interest of our land. Let us make our choices peacefully and respect the choices and rights of others.”
Jonathan also said that the elections were critical to the people of Nigeria. He called it a moment of truth and courage.
He said, “It is a time that requires us all to exercise the highest form of patriotism in our nation-building journey and collective quest for peace and progress. Let us approach this election with devotion, dedication, and selflessness, by ensuring that we don’t jeopardise our country’s peace and unity as we exercise our franchise and pursue our political dreams and aspirations.”
Jonathan warned Nigerians against violence and told them to learn from the experiences of West African countries that had “a crisis of democracy that has led to unconstitutional change of governments, which has derailed their democratic quest for peace and development.”