Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised the growing presence of serving governors, senior political officeholders and party leaders in states holding off-cycle elections, warning that the practice could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Jonathan raised the concern on Tuesday, August 18, days after the governorship election in Osun State. He described the mobilisation of political heavyweights, aides and security personnel from outside the affected states as an “unwholesome” emerging trend.

According to the former president, the conduct witnessed during recent elections in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states was unusual and should not become normal in a democratic society.

Jonathan recalled that similar developments occurred during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections when he was president. He said that, after receiving briefings on the situation at the time, he ordered party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states.

He said political parties have the right to campaign, mobilise supporters and deploy legitimate party structures, but warned that the overwhelming presence of serving governors, senior public officials and powerful political actors on election day could create an atmosphere of apprehension, intimidation and undue pressure.

Jonathan also questioned whether the growing deployment of political power and large-scale mobilisation by senior officeholders during off-cycle elections was consistent with free, fair and peaceful democratic competition.

He warned that if the trend continues, governors from opposing parties could begin matching one another’s political and governmental influence whenever elections are held.

“Such a development would not strengthen our democracy,” Jonathan said, warning that it could deepen political tensions and make elections resemble battles for political survival rather than peaceful contests for the people’s mandate.

The former president’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.