Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns over Nigeria’s electoral credibility, stating that the nation is plagued by “ghost voters,” which hinder accurate vote counting during elections.
Speaking at the YIAGA Africa Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, held in Abuja on Tuesday, Jonathan criticized the persistent flaws in the electoral system and called for the resignation of election officials who succumb to pressure to manipulate polls.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy would remain weak unless individuals of integrity manage the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, election officials must prioritize democracy over political influence, warning that without such commitment, Nigeria’s electoral credibility would continue to be compromised.
He insisted that if INEC officials find themselves pressured into manipulating elections, they should resign rather than tarnish the democratic process.
Jonathan also criticized the regionalization of the electoral process, saying it negatively affects the selection of competent leaders.
He noted that even religious leaders make political predictions based on regional biases rather than national interest.
He stressed that democracy would not thrive if the electoral process continues to be controlled by sectional interests, urging for a system that ensures every vote genuinely counts.
Drawing comparisons with other West African nations, the former president commended Ghana, Liberia, and Senegal for conducting credible elections despite minimal reliance on technology.
He noted that Ghana’s electoral commission maintained transparency, and Liberia’s President George Weah set an example by conceding defeat.
However, he highlighted that in Nigeria and Sierra Leone, where advanced technology was introduced to enhance transparency, elections were marred by disputes, legal battles, and unrest.
He argued that technology alone cannot guarantee credible elections, stating that commitment to fairness and integrity is the most crucial factor.
Jonathan emphasized the need for electoral reforms, strong institutions, and increased youth participation to sustain democracy in West Africa.
He warned against political interference in electoral management, citing issues such as intimidation of officials, lack of campaign finance oversight, and strategic legal changes favoring incumbents.
He commended ECOWAS for maintaining democratic principles, despite recent military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
He noted that while some nations have regressed to military rule, West Africa has largely transitioned from authoritarian regimes to a region where elections are now the primary means of transferring power.
Urging Nigerian leaders to ensure electoral transparency and peaceful transitions, Jonathan called for a renewed commitment to strengthening democracy and restoring public trust in the electoral system.