Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and National Election Security Taskforce (NESTF) for their efforts in ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
Speaking in Accra today at the NESTF Press Centre, Jonathan highlighted the role of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), which he leads, in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Role of the West African Elders Forum
Jonathan explained that the WAEF comprises former presidents and leaders from across West Africa.
The forum aims to prevent electoral conflicts by engaging stakeholders before, during, and after elections.
“We are not an observer mission,” Jonathan clarified.
“Observer missions like ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Commonwealth are already present.
Our role is to mediate and assist ECOWAS and sitting presidents in resolving conflicts.
Most crises in Africa stem from poorly conducted elections.
Our approach is proactive—to engage stakeholders early and intervene swiftly if tensions arise.”
Jonathan cited successful interventions by the WAEF in countries like The Gambia, where the team worked tirelessly to de-escalate tensions during a volatile election period.
“In The Gambia, we engaged key stakeholders even at 1 a.m., navigating through angry crowds to bring calm.
This approach has helped stabilize several countries during elections,” he recounted.
Appeal to Politicians and the Media
Jonathan urged Ghanaian politicians to view elections as a contest, not a conflict.
“In every election, only one person can win. Losing today does not mean losing forever.
The country remains, and we should focus on leaving positive legacies, not crises,” he said.
He also called on media practitioners to prioritize accuracy and responsibility in their reporting.
“Misinformation is one of the biggest threats to peaceful elections.
Verify sensitive information before publishing, as inaccurate reporting can spark unnecessary conflicts,” he advised.
Ghana as a Model of Democracy
Jonathan praised Ghana’s democratic credentials, describing the country as a model for Africa.
“Ghana has been a beacon of democracy on the continent.
We are confident this election will uphold the country’s reputation for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections,” he stated.
Commitment to Peace
The WAEF delegation, which includes notable figures such as Dr. Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, and other prominent leaders, plans to remain in Ghana throughout the electoral process.
“We are here to work with Ghanaian authorities and stakeholders to ensure tensions are addressed promptly.
Our mission is to help maintain peace and stability so that this election does not lead to any major conflicts,” Jonathan concluded.
The West African Elders Forum continues its commitment to fostering peaceful and credible elections across the region, emphasizing collaboration with local authorities and civil society to ensure long-term stability.
