Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has issued a stark warning that political thuggery is eroding the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as a normalized profession that rewards violence over merit and threatens the country’s stability ahead of future elections.
Speaking at a high-profile event, Jonathan decried the growing influence of thugs in the political landscape, noting that Nigeria stands out in Africa as the only country where thuggery has become a lucrative career. He highlighted the inverted values in society where political enforcers enjoy luxuries like first-class international travel, while academics and professionals struggle with basic economic hardships.
“Look, Nigeria is the only country where thuggery is a profession in Africa,” Jonathan said. “Some thugs, when they are travelling out of this country, fly first class, while university professors struggle to manage to buy economy tickets. So when we have a country where the thugs will fly first class, and the university professor will fly economy, that country is like a canoe turned upside down and as a nation, we must do something.”
The former president linked political thuggery to broader challenges undermining public trust in the electoral process, including judicial overreach in determining election outcomes, voter apathy, and a lack of genuine democratic participation. He predicted difficult times ahead for the 2027 general elections if systemic issues are not addressed urgently.
Jonathan emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms to strengthen institutions: Electoral reforms to ensure credible, transparent, and violence-free polls. Judicial reforms, including the possible establishment of a dedicated Constitutional Court for electoral disputes. Greater collaboration between legal professionals, the National Assembly, and civil society to restore confidence in democracy.
His remarks come as Nigeria grapples with persistent electoral violence, intimidation, and the militarization of politics, issues that have historically disenfranchised citizens and weakened governance. Jonathan, known for his peaceful concession in 2015 and ongoing advocacy for democracy across Africa, reiterated that no political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.
The former president urged all stakeholderspolitical leaders, the judiciary, security agencies, youth, and civil society to reject violence and embrace reforms that prioritize competence, integrity, and the rule of law. He called on the Nigerian Bar Association and other institutions to play active roles in reviewing electoral and judicial laws.
Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when the voices of ordinary citizens prevail over the influence of thugs and when institutions function to serve the people, not entrench power through coercion.