Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has strongly condemned the rise of political thuggery in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic credibility and long-term stability.

Speaking at a recent public event in Abuja, Jonathan expressed concern over what he described as the normalization of electoral violence, noting that political thuggery has increasingly become entrenched in Nigeria’s political culture.

He warned that the continued use of violence and intimidation during elections undermines the will of the people and weakens confidence in democratic processes. The former president emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy risks losing public trust if urgent steps are not taken to address flaws in both the electoral and judicial systems.

According to him, the growing dependence on courts to determine election outcomes reflects deeper systemic failures in the conduct of credible polls. Jonathan called for comprehensive electoral reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in elections.

He stressed the need for stronger institutions capable of conducting free and credible elections without interference or manipulation. He also highlighted the critical role of the judiciary, urging judicial officers to uphold independence and integrity in the handling of election-related cases.

Jonathan noted that when court rulings are perceived as politically influenced, it further erodes citizens’ confidence in democracy. In addition, the former president urged political leaders to discourage the recruitment and arming of youths for violent political activities, calling instead for issue-based campaigns and peaceful participation in the democratic process.

Jonathan’s remarks come amid increasing national concerns over electoral integrity and political violence as Nigeria gradually prepares for the 2027 general elections. Stakeholders, including civil society groups and opposition parties, have continued to push for reforms to strengthen the electoral system and restore public trust in governance.

He concluded by stressing that credible elections and a trustworthy judicial system remain the foundation of any functioning democracy, warning that failure to act decisively could deepen political instability in the country.