Abuja, Nigeria – August 29, 2025 – Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen democratic institutions, enhance electoral integrity, and promote accountability in governance.
Speaking through Ms. Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, at the launch of the National Action Plan for Electoral Reform, Jonathan stressed that while Nigeria has made notable democratic progress since 1999, critical challenges still undermine the system’s legitimacy.
“If we are truly committed to democracy, we must be bold enough to reform the process to better reflect the will of the people,” Jonathan stated.
Creation of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties
Jonathan proposed the establishment of an independent Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to tackle rising political party indiscipline. He cited concerns over widespread cross-carpeting, where elected officials defect from their parties without justification, weakening democratic structures.
“Parties are the foundation of democracy. We need a regulatory body with the authority to enforce internal democracy and discipline,” he said.
Jonathan also recommended empowering the office to declare seats vacant when elected officials switch parties without due process, asserting that “the electoral mandate belongs to the people, not personal ambition.”
Reforming INEC Appointment Process for Greater Credibility
In a move aimed at enhancing public trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Jonathan proposed a non-partisan screening and nomination mechanism for selecting the INEC Chairman.
The mechanism would involve representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia, and professional bodies, who would shortlist qualified candidates. The President would then appoint from this list.
“This will reduce bias, strengthen credibility, and foster public confidence in the electoral process,” Jonathan noted.
Resolving Post-Election Disputes Before Inauguration
Jonathan also advocated for legal reforms to ensure all post-election disputes are settled before swearing-in ceremonies for elected officials. He described the current system as detrimental to democratic stability.
“Justice delayed is justice denied — not only for the candidates but for the electorate,” he warned.
He recommended the establishment of special election tribunals with timelines aligned to the electoral calendar to ensure swift adjudication of cases.
A Call for Patriotic, Non-Partisan Electoral Reform
Jonathan commended Dr. Sam Amadi, Executive Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, for organizing the event and emphasized that these reforms are not partisan, but a patriotic duty to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic future.
“Let us work together to build a Nigeria where elections are credible, leaders are accountable, and democracy truly delivers for the people,” Jonathan concluded.
