Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stressed the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s electoral framework, with particular focus on the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman and the growing trend of defections among politicians.
He made this known at the National Action Plan for Electoral Reform Dialogue organized by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, represented by Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
Jonathan said that while Nigeria has achieved some democratic milestones since 1999, critical flaws continue to undermine elections.
“If we are truly committed to democracy, we must be bold enough to reform the process to better reflect the will of the people and the principles of justice, accountability, and inclusion,” Jonathan declared.
He recommended a transparent system for appointing the INEC chairman through an independent panel drawn from civil society organizations, professional associations, academia, and the judiciary.
Addressing the issue of defections, Jonathan decried the instability caused by elected officials abandoning their political platforms for convenience.
“Parties are the foundation of any democracy, but in our context they have become vulnerable to opportunism and instability,” he said.
He proposed creating an Office of the Registrar of Political Parties that would monitor internal democracy, regulate party activities, and declare vacant the seat of any politician who defects.
Jonathan also urged that all election petitions be resolved before officeholders are sworn in, adding that delayed rulings weaken public trust and governance. He suggested limiting the number of courts that can handle such petitions to ensure faster judgments.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that Jonathan remains a member of the PDP and emphasized the availability of credible leaders within the party. He praised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as an exemplary figure within the party.
Frontpagenews.ng reports that Jonathan’s call for reforms reflects growing public demand for electoral credibility and stronger democratic institutions as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls.
