‘It’ll promote public trust’ — Jonathan seeks new process for appointing INEC chairman
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a new process to appoint the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ex-president proposed an independent screening and nomination mechanism to strengthen the commission’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general election.
Jonathan, represented by Ann Iyonu, the executive director of the Goodluck Jonathan foundation, spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the public presentation of the national action plan for electoral reforms, organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought.
He said public trust in elections rests largely on the impartiality and competence of the electoral umpire, noting that the current practice, where the president directly nominates the INEC chairman, has continued to fuel questions about neutrality.
“So many questions have continued to be raised on the propriety of the process of appointing the INEC chairman,” Jonathan said.
“I believe that Nigeria can improve the process by establishing an independent screening and nomination mechanism, comprising representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia and professional bodies.
“This body would vet and recommend a shortlist of qualified candidates from which the president may appoint the chairman.
“Such reform will reduce perceptions of bias, promote public trust in INEC and enhance the legitimacy of its decisions.”
Jonathan said Nigeria, like many other countries must be bold enough to reform its democratic institutions to reflect the will of the people and the principles of justice, accountability and inclusion.
He also stressed his earlier proposal for the establishment of an independent office of the registrar of political parties to address what he described as the “growing crisis of political party indiscipline”.
He said political parties, which should serve as the bedrock of democracy, have become vulnerable to opportunism and instability.
He cited the “disturbing rise” in cross-carpeting by elected officials who defect from the platforms on which they were elected, often without ideological justification.
“To remedy this, we should strongly consider the establishment of an independent office of the registrar of political parties, charged with regulating party operations, promoting internal democracy and enforcing party discipline,” Jonathan said.
“Crucially, the office should have the power to declare the seat of any defector vacant. This would affirm the principle that the electoral mandate belongs to the people and not to individual ambition.”
He also urged reforms to ensure that all post-election litigations, especially those relating to final outcomes, are concluded before winners are sworn into office.
The present system, where governors and lawmakers assume office with unresolved petitions, only to be unseated later by the courts, he said, creates confusion and undermines governance.
“We must adopt a framework that compels the timely resolution of electoral disputes, possibly with specially designated election tribunals and timelines that align with the electoral calendar,” he said.
“Justice delayed in elections is justice denied, not just for the candidates, but for the electorate.”
Jonathan urged political leaders and citizens alike to embrace patriotism and courage in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“Let us confront our democratic weaknesses with honesty and reform our system with courage,” he said.
“Let us continue to work together to build a Nigeria where elections are credible, leaders are accountable, and democracy truly delivers for the people.”
