- Former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed concerns over the reliability of Nigerias vote count, citing the presence of ‘ghost voters’ as a major issue affecting election credibility
- He urged INEC officials to prioritize integrity, stating that those facing political pressure to manipulate results should resign rather than compromise democracy
- Jonathan criticized the growing regional influence in Nigerias elections and emphasized the need for stronger electoral systems to prevent manipulation and ensure credible outcomes
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns about Nigerias electoral process.
Nurphoto/Sean GallupSource: Getty ImagesIn Nigeria, you cant get an accurate count of votes because I believe that we have too many ghost voters, Jonathan remarked.INEC officials should uphold integrity or resignWe must have credible people. From what former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega said, political leaders who are so domineering will pressurize you to do what is wrong; you should be able to resign and leave. You should be able to resign and walk away, please, he urged.If we dont have this kind of people, then we are in trouble. I dont want any INEC official to say they were pressurized. “If you accept the role of INEC Chairman or Commissioner, then you should be prepared to say, If Im pressured to do what is wrong, I will step aside for the sake of democracy, he stated.GEJ speaks on challenges in electoral system and regional biasSometimes, when I listen to predictions from religious leaders, their forecasts tend to lean towards regional interests. When the electoral process becomes this regionalized, we will continue to face serious challenges, he explained.Strengthening electoral systems for credibilityThe former president Goodluck Jonathan has highlighted flaws in Nigerias electoral process that need urgent reforms.
Photo credit: @officialINECSource: UGCWhen both parties are strong, and the system cannot be manipulated, only real human beings will cast their votes, and their votes will count, he asserted. If our electoral system is not refined to ensure voter cards function effectively, then what exactly is so great about democracy? he questioned.Lessons from other West African nations Ghana, despite using limited technology, successfully conducted elections and ensured a peaceful transition of power, he said.This demonstrated a positive example of democratic transitions in the region, he added.INEC announces date for FCT council elections
