Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns about the accuracy of the nation’s electoral process, attributing discrepancies to the presence of ‘ghost voters.’ Speaking at the YIAGA Africa Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, held in Abuja on February 25–26, 2025, Jonathan emphasized the need for integrity within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He urged INEC officials to resign rather than succumb to external pressures to manipulate election outcomes. Jonathan stressed that without ethical leadership in electoral management, the system would continue to face credibility challenges. He also highlighted the importance of improving voter registration systems and electoral processes to ensure that democracy functions effectively. Additionally, Jonathan criticized the regionalization of the electoral process, noting it hinders Nigeria’s ability to elect capable leaders. He called for sustained progress in democracy within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to foster hope among citizens. Jonathan commended West Africa’s democratic progress despite recent setbacks, referencing the coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic. He advocated for robust youth participation in the electoral process, strong and independent electoral institutions, electoral reforms, and the efficient use of technology.
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