By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has voiced his concerns about the deployment of military forces in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that it places excessive demands on the armed forces.
During a book launch event in Abuja on Tuesday, written by ex-Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase, Jonathan stressed that overseeing elections should primarily be the duty of the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He noted that in many other nations, the military—particularly the Army and Air Force—mainly assist in transporting electoral materials to inaccessible or high-risk locations, rather than providing security at polling stations, as is commonly done in Nigeria.
Drawing from his time in office, Jonathan remarked, “Having served as this nation’s president, internal security is an issue that deeply concerns me. The security of elections, in particular, is something I care about. It is troubling to see how elections are conducted in Nigeria.”
Expressing his reservations about the heavy reliance on the military for election duties, he stated, “We put an excessive burden on the Army. In most countries, the military is not involved in the routine administration of elections.”
He further elaborated, “In several places, military forces are tasked with crucial operations, such as transporting electoral materials to volatile regions. However, they are not assigned to guard polling centers or remain on-site at voting stations.”
Jonathan also referenced Botswana and Senegal as examples of countries where elections proceed with minimal military involvement, enabling citizens to vote without fear or intimidation.
He contrasted these nations with Nigeria, where the military’s role in election security has become a pressing issue.
Hear him speak: “In fact, here we overstretch the Army. In most other countries, the military doesn’t get involved in the day-to-day management of elections.
He said:
“Maybe one day, we will have two big buildings in Abuja where we will put pictures of people—whether dead or alive—who have messed up this country so that their grandchildren will know their forefathers were part of Nigeria’s problems.”