Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has stressed that political violence and the use of thugs during elections have become deeply rooted in the country’s political environment.
Jonathan who stated this on Wednesday 20 May during the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association Law Week held in Abuja noted that the growing influence of political thuggery in Nigeria, was a serious threat to democracy and national progress.
Jonathan used the occasion to speak about the state of the country’s political system, electoral process, and the need for stronger democratic institutions capable of restoring public confidence in governance and elections.
Speaking before legal professionals, public officials, and participants at the former president expressed concern that thuggery has gradually evolved into what appears to be a recognised occupation for some individuals, particularly during election periods.
According to him, this trend has weakened democratic values and contributed to insecurity, intimidation, and manipulation within the political process across different parts of the country.
The former president also highlighted what he described as a troubling imbalance in societal values, where individuals involved in political violence and unlawful activities appear to enjoy privileges and financial rewards greater than those earned through education and professional service.
He pointed to situations where some people associated with political thuggery are able to live lavish lifestyles and travel comfortably, while highly educated professionals, including university lecturers and professors, struggle financially.
Jonathan explained that such realities create a dangerous message for younger generations and weaken respect for hard work, education, and lawful career paths.
Goodluck Jonathan further called for reforms within Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems, stressing that democratic institutions must be strengthened to protect the integrity of elections and ensure accountability.
He noted that credible elections can only be achieved when political violence, intimidation, and manipulation are effectively addressed through strong legal frameworks and proper enforcement of laws.
According to him, citizens need to regain trust in the electoral process, and this can only happen when elections are conducted fairly and transparently without the influence of violence or coercion.
Jonathan also emphasized the important role of the judiciary and legal profession in defending democracy and promoting justice.
He explained that lawyers, judges, and legal institutions have a responsibility to ensure that the rule of law is respected at all times, especially during political contests and election disputes.
Jonathan added that when justice is delayed or compromised, public confidence in democratic institutions declines, creating room for frustration and political instability within society.
“Look, Nigeria is the only country where thuggery is a profession in Africa. I don’t want to mention the state. Some thugs, when they are travelling out of this country, fly first class, while university professors struggle to manage to buy economy tickets” he said.
