2027: Don’t Justify Misconduct With Politics, Jonathan Tells Politicians

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged politicians preparing for the 2027 elections to abide by established rules, warning against actions aimed at securing victory at all costs.

Jonathan spoke at a public lecture held in honour of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, SAN, who recently marked his 80th birthday.

The former president said political competition should not be used as an excuse for misconduct, stressing that elections, like other competitive activities, must be conducted within defined rules.

“In politics, it is a disaster. People do stupid things, also even criminal things, and they will tell you it is politics. It is not politics. Politics has rules,” Jonathan said.

He compared politics to a football match, saying contestants must operate within the rules while courts provide avenues for resolving disputes when the rules are breached.

Jonathan also spoke on corruption, arguing that Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts should go beyond enacting laws and establishing enforcement agencies.

He said the country needed to develop a culture where ethical conduct is valued, public office is regarded as a trust and institutions are strong enough to enforce accountability.

The former president recalled an experience in Rwanda, where he said social values discouraged public officials from accepting gifts considered inappropriate.

According to him, such values can complement formal laws in shaping public conduct.

Jonathan further said Nigerians had a collective responsibility to fight corruption, rather than leaving the task solely to government agencies established to investigate and punish offenders.

He also urged politicians and public officials to uphold higher ethical standards, stressing the importance of strong institutions, particularly the judiciary, in enforcing accountability.