Jonathan Calls for Urgent Electoral Reforms in Nigeria

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the Federal Government and stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process to urgently initiate reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral system. Jonathan’s appeal was made on Wednesday at the **National Action Plan for Electoral Reform Dialogue**, organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought.

Represented by Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the former President emphasised that while Nigeria has made strides since the restoration of democracy in 1999, the electoral system remains plagued by fundamental challenges that continue to undermine its credibility.

He said Nigeria must be bold enough to undertake sweeping reforms that will ensure the nation’s elections reflect the true will of the people while upholding principles of justice, accountability, and inclusion.

Jonathan Urges Review of INEC Chairman Appointment

A key focus of Jonathan’s speech was the process of appointing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to him, the credibility of elections rests heavily on the neutrality and competence of the electoral body, yet questions persist over the fairness of the current appointment procedure.

Jonathan proposed that an comprisingpresentatives of the judiciary, civil society, academia, trade unions, and professional bodies, should be entrusted with screening and nominating the INEC Chairman. This, he argued, would reduce perceptions of bias, promote trust in the commission, and enhance the legitimacy of electoral outcomes.

He stressed that Nigeria must adopt a more transparent and participatory process that guarantees independence, rather than leaving such crucial decisions entirely in the hands of political actors

Cross-Cupping Weakens Democracy – Jonathan

Beyond INEC’s structure, Jonathan also raised concerns over what he described as the alarming rise of political defections, or “cross-cupping,” where elected officials switch parties without ideological justification.

He observed that political parties, which should serve as the bedrock of democracy, have instead become vulnerable to opportunism and instability. To address this, Jonathan suggested the establishment of an **independent Office of the Registrar of Political Parties**. This body, he said, would regulate party operations, enforce internal democracy, and ensure discipline within the system.

Jonathan further proposed that such an office should be empowered to declare the seats of defecting politicians vacant, noting that countries like Kenya and Malawi have adopted similar measures to strengthen political accountability.

Timely Resolution of Election Disputes

The former President also highlighted the persistent problem of delayed judicial rulings on election petitions. He lamented that leaders often assume office while their mandates are still being contested in court, only to later lose their positions after protracted legal battles.

According to him, such practices not only weaken governance but also erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He insisted that “justice delayed in elections is justice denied, not just for candidates but for the electorate.”

To mitigate this, Jonathan proposed streamlining the judicial process by reducing the number of courts authorised to handle electoral petitions, particularly in governorship and presidential contests. This would help ensure that disputes are resolved swiftly and conclusively.

Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy

In his closing remarks, Jonathan reiterated that electoral reforms are not a partisan issue but a patriotic necessity. He emphasised that true democracy is about more than simply casting ballots; it is about building institutions, promoting accountability, and protecting the rights of citizens.

He called on all political actors, institutions, and citizens to support the reform agenda, noting that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on it.

Jonathan concluded by stressing that these reforms, if pursued with sincerity and urgency, would help strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process and safeguard the nation’s future.

*At a time when Nigeria faces increasing political instability, Jonathan’s call serves as a reminder that electoral credibility lies at the heart of democratic governance. Whether through reforming INEC appointments, curbing opportunistic defections, or speeding up judicial processes, the former President believes that the path to democratic consolidation rests on bold, inclusive, and transparent reforms.*