Jonathan Calls for Bold Electoral Reforms, Independent Party Registrar

By Yinka Giwa

Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said Nigeria must urgently reform its democratic process to reflect the people’s will and uphold justice, accountability, and inclusion.

Speaking at the public presentation of the National Action Plan for Electoral Reforms, organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Jonathan — represented by the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ms. Ann Iyonu — proposed the creation of an independent Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to tackle what he described as the “growing crisis of political party indiscipline.”

He said that despite progress since the return to democracy in 1999, Nigeria’s electoral system remained fraught with challenges. According to him, political parties, which should serve as democracy’s foundation, had become vulnerable to instability and opportunism.

“We have seen a disturbing rise in the practice of cross-carpeting, with elected officials defecting from the parties under which they were elected, often without ideological justification or accountability to the electorate. To remedy this, we should strongly consider the establishment of an independent registrar with the power to regulate party operations, enforce discipline, and even declare the seat of any defector vacant,” he said.

Jonathan noted that such mechanisms work effectively in countries like Kenya and Malawi. He also recommended reforms in the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, suggesting an independent screening body made up of representatives of the judiciary, civil society, academia, and professional associations to vet and nominate candidates.

“The credibility of elections rests heavily on the neutrality and competence of INEC. A transparent appointment process would reduce perceptions of bias, enhance legitimacy, and strengthen public trust,” he added.

He further proposed that all post-election disputes be concluded before the swearing-in of elected officials, warning that the current practice of allowing candidates with unresolved cases to assume office undermines governance. “Justice delayed in elections is justice denied, not just for the candidates, but for the electorate,” Jonathan said.

Commending the Abuja School for its role in shaping democratic thought, Jonathan urged Nigerians to confront weaknesses with honesty and courage. “Let us build a Nigeria where elections are credible, leaders are accountable, and democracy truly delivers for the people,” he said.