Former President Goodluck Jonathan has emphasized the need for credible and transparent electoral processes in Nigeria, stressing that the nation’s electoral system will continue to face a credibility crisis until men of integrity are at the helm of affairs.
Speaking at the YIAGA Africa Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa held in Abuja, Jonathan noted that “ghost voters” are a major obstacle to accurate vote counts during elections. He advocated for the resignation of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rather than yielding to pressure to manipulate elections.
Jonathan also criticized the regionalization of the electoral process, stating that it hinders Nigeria’s ability to elect capable leaders. He emphasized the importance of improving the voter registration system and electoral processes to ensure that democracy functions effectively.
The former President referenced the challenges faced by elections in Sierra Leone and Senegal, where allegations of irregularities undermined the polls. However, he commended Ghana for conducting successful elections despite limited technology, demonstrating the resilience of democratic institutions.
Jonathan called for sustained progress in democracy within the Economic Community of West African States, emphasizing the need for robust youth participation, strong and independent electoral institutions, and efficient use of technology.