Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised what he described as an unhealthy trend involving governors and political leaders during off-cycle elections across Nigerian states.

Jonathan expressed concern over the increasing influence of political office holders in elections, warning that such involvement could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

He made the remarks while speaking on the conduct of off-cycle elections and the growing level of political competition surrounding them.

The former president noted that elections should primarily provide citizens with the opportunity to freely choose their leaders without undue interference from powerful political actors.

According to him, the growing practice of governors and other influential politicians taking active control of electoral processes could weaken democratic institutions and discourage genuine participation by voters.

Jonathan urged political leaders to respect the independence of electoral institutions and allow citizens to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or manipulation.

He stressed that democratic governance would remain weak if political actors continued to place personal or party interests above the will of the electorate.

The former president also called on electoral authorities and security agencies to ensure that elections are conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner.

He said political parties and their candidates should compete based on ideas, programmes and their ability to deliver good governance rather than rely on the influence of incumbency or political machinery.

Jonathan further encouraged Nigerians to remain vigilant and participate actively in elections, noting that the strength of democracy depends largely on the ability of citizens to make independent choices.

He maintained that the country needed electoral reforms and stronger institutions capable of preventing political interference and ensuring that election outcomes accurately reflect the wishes of voters.

The former president said all stakeholders must work together to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process and restore greater public confidence in elections, particularly during off-cycle polls.