Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned politicians across the country to eschew violence ahead of the 2023 general election.

Jonathan said those interested in becoming president, governors, and other elective positions have roles to play in preserving Nigeria’s democracy.

The former President said this while speaking at the 2022 peace conference organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said: “We must have a state before you talk about having a President or a governor. If you destroy the country, then where do we need a President?

“Anybody who is interested in leadership at the level of a president, governor, senator, etc, you have the biggest stake to protect the nation.

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“Both those who want to be president, governors and their supporters should first know that we need to have a nation before whoever you are supporting can emerge.”

Jonathan further commended youths in the country for their interest in the 2023 general election, advising them to guard against hate speech.

The former President, who listed fake news, hate speech, and propaganda as the biggest threat to Nigerian democracy, called on the citizens not to indulge in it.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjkpo; Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda; among others.