Jonathan moves against defections, calls for electoral reform

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has renewed calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system, stressing the need for transparency in the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman and condemning the growing trend of political defections.

Speaking on Wednesday at the National Action Plan for Electoral Reform Dialogue in Abuja, Jonathan, represented by the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ann Iyonu, said Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive without bold reforms that guarantee credibility, justice, and accountability.

He argued that the credibility of elections rests largely on the neutrality of INEC, warning that the current appointment process for its chairman raises questions of bias. Jonathan recommended the establishment of an independent mechanism to screen and nominate candidates for the role.

On defections, the former president described the increasing “cross-cupping” culture — where politicians abandon their parties after winning elections — as dangerous for democracy. He suggested a regulatory office with powers to discipline political parties and even declare the seats of defectors vacant.

Jonathan also urged that election disputes should be resolved before winners are sworn in, to avoid confusion and erosion of public trust in the system.

According to him, the reforms being proposed are not partisan but necessary to build stronger democratic institutions in Nigeria.