Goodluck Jonathan, former Nigeria’s President, has urged all presidential candidates to place national interest above personal interest.
Jonathan made this call in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Ikechukwu Eze, on Thursday, June 9 in Abuja.
He also congratulated presidential flagbearers of the political parties that emerged from the just concluded primaries elections.
Read Also: ‘An Insult’ – Jonathan Rejects APC Presidential Form Purchased By Northern Coalition
Some of the candidates are: Atiku Abubakar of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
Others include Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Malik Ado-Ibrahim of Young Progressives Party (YPP), Chief Dan Nwanyanwu of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dumebi Kachikwu of African Democratic Congress (ADC) as well as Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
According to Jonathan, everyone must be committed to upholding virtues that would sustain Nigeria’s democracy and advance the cause of good governance, peace, and sustainable development.
He said;
Nigeria is at a critical junction in its march to nationhood as it grapples with security and economic challenges.
The 2023 elections present an opportunity to renew our union, rebuild the dreams of our founding fathers, and revitalise our economy.
Jonathan also urged all leaders, especially politicians, to prioritize the peace and stability of the nation as they commenced activities for the 2023 elections.
He charged all citizens to make honest and patriotic choices that would guarantee the hope that Nigerians desire for themselves and the nation.
The former President also advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to continue to deepen the reforms of the country’s electoral system.
Jonathan stressed:
A transparent election will go a long way to increase the confidence of Nigerians in our democracy and restore trust in our public institutions.
We can attain our national aspirations of unity, peace, and progress through the instrumentality of a functional as well as effective democracy.
