Jonathan: Politicians can’t justify misconduct by saying ‘it is politics’

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned Nigerian politicians against using the pursuit of electoral victory as an excuse for violating established rules and engaging in misconduct.

Jonathan spoke on Thursday in Abuja at a public lecture organised to mark the 80th birthday of Kanu Agabi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Attorney-General of the Federation.

He said political contests, like sporting competitions, must be conducted within clearly defined rules, stressing that the courts become necessary when participants breach those rules.

“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 added, “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 also argued that Nigeria’s battle against corruption could not be won through legislation and enforcement agencies alone, saying the country needed a culture that valued integrity and treated public office as a trust.

He said institutions must be strengthened to ensure accountability, while society must stop celebrating individuals accused of wrongdoing simply because of their wealth or influence.

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