Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged urgent reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly in the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan, represented by Ms. Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, made the call during the public presentation of the National Action Plan for Electoral Reforms organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (TAS) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Commending TAS for its commitment to democratic development, Jonathan said the credibility of Nigeria’s political system depends largely on strengthening electoral institutions. He noted that while the country has recorded progress since its return to democracy, its electoral processes still face fundamental 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,” he stated.
Jonathan also expressed concern over the rising wave of political defections, which he described as opportunistic and devoid of ideological justification. He proposed the creation of an independent regulatory body to enforce internal party democracy, with the power to declare seats vacant when lawmakers defect from their sponsoring parties.
On the credibility of INEC, the former President advocated for a more transparent selection process for its leadership. He suggested that a panel comprising the judiciary, civil society, academia, and professional bodies should screen and nominate candidates, from which the President would appoint the chairman. Such reforms, he argued, would strengthen public trust in INEC and reduce perceptions of bias.
Jonathan further called for the resolution of all post-election disputes before winners are sworn in, stressing that delays undermine governance and deny justice to voters.
Echoing Jonathan’s stance, TAS Director Dr. Sam Amadi proposed constitutional amendments to prevent individuals who held party or government positions within the past five years from leading INEC. He also recommended adopting the Uwais Report, which transfers INEC appointments from the President to the National Judicial Council (NJC), alongside post-tenure restrictions barring former INEC officials from partisan politics for five years.
Amadi insisted that electoral reforms must mandate electronic transmission of results from polling units to a secure public portal, with immediate release of results signed by officers and witnesses. He also pushed for broader locus standi, enabling voters and credible citizens to challenge flawed election outcomes.
Labour leaders at the event reinforced the call for reform. Represented by Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, NLC President Joe Ajaero urged lawmakers to urgently amend the Electoral Act. TUC President Festus Osifo, represented by Martin Egbanubi, demanded a merit-based appointment system and the creation of a special court and electoral offences commission to curb vote buying.
Chief Peter Ameh of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) also proposed that INEC nominations by the NJC should be subject to approval by two-thirds of the National Assembly. He further suggested that all elections in the country should be conducted on the same day to reduce vote buying and voter apathy.
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