2027: Jonathan Warns Politicians Against Breaking Rules to Win Elections

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned politicians preparing for the 2027 general elections against manipulating electoral processes or violating established rules in pursuit of victory.

Jonathan said political ambition should not be used to justify misconduct, arguing that politicians could not simply dismiss unlawful or unethical actions by describing them as “politics.”

He spoke on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message at a public lecture organised to mark the 80th birthday of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, SAN.

Jonathan said political contests, like sporting competitions, are governed by rules that participants are expected to follow.

“In politics, it’s 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,” he said.

He likened politics to a football match, saying contestants must play according to established rules and that courts become necessary when those rules are violated.

“Politics is like a soccer match. You play according to the rules and that’s why the courts start to mediate if you go against the rules. Otherwise you can do anything and win an election and walk away,” Jonathan said.

Jonathan, who conceded defeat to the opposition candidate after the 2015 presidential election, said the pursuit of electoral victory should not become an excuse for actions that undermine established rules.

His remarks came amid preparations for the 2027 general elections and have been reported as contrasting with President Bola Tinubu's earlier statement that “all is fair in politics.” Jonathan did not directly identify Tinubu in the remarks reported from the event.

The former president also spoke about Nigeria's continuing struggle with corruption, saying the problem could not be addressed solely through legislation or the work of anti-corruption agencies.

According to Jonathan, lasting progress requires a culture in which ethical conduct is valued, public office is treated as a trust and institutions are strong enough to enforce accountability.

“The challenge before Nigeria is not simply to make laws against corruption. It is to build a culture in which ethical conduct becomes the norm, where public office is treated as a trust, and where institutions are strong enough to uphold accountability,” he said.

Jonathan also reflected on an experience in Rwanda, using it to illustrate how social values and cultural expectations can influence the conduct of public officials beyond the requirements of formal laws.

He stressed the importance of strong institutions, particularly the judiciary, in ensuring accountability when established rules are breached.

The former president said the responsibility for fighting corruption extended beyond government agencies and included citizens, politicians and public officials, who he urged to uphold higher standards of ethical conduct.