Dare Babalola
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has advocated for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system to enhance democracy, accountability, and the legitimacy of elections.
Speaking on Wednesday at the National Action Plan for Electoral Reform Dialogue, Jonathan emphasised the need for structural changes to improve the nation’s democratic processes.
He said, “Nigeria has made notable progress since our return to democratic rule, but we must acknowledge that our electoral system still faces significant challenges.
“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, represented by the Executive Director Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ann Iyonu, proposed the establishment of an independent Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to regulate party operations and enforce discipline. “Parties are the foundation of any democracy, but in our context, they have become vulnerable to opportunism and instability,” he noted.
He also suggested changes to the appointment process for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, recommending an independent screening and nomination mechanism. “Credibility of elections rests heavily on the neutrality and competence of INEC,” Jonathan stressed.
Furthermore, Jonathan emphasized the importance of resolving post-election disputes before the swearing-in of elected officials.
“It creates confusion and undermines governance when candidates with unresolved election cases assume office only to be later removed by the courts,” he said.
In conclusion, Jonathan underscored that these reforms are essential for building a stronger democracy and promoting accountability. “Democracy is not just about casting ballots. It is about building institutions, promoting accountability, and protecting the rights of citizens,” he said.
