Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, have raised concerns over political interference in the appointment of electoral commissioners, warning that such practices threaten democracy in Nigeria and across West Africa. Speaking at the Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, organised by Yiaga Africa in Abuja, Jonathan lamented the persistent issue of ghost voters and the undue influence exerted on electoral officials.
Jonathan: Electoral Officials Must Uphold Integrity
Jonathan stressed the need for credible leadership in electoral management, urging officials to resist pressure to manipulate elections.
“Political leaders who are so domineering will pressurise you to do what is wrong. If you are accepting to be INEC Chairman or commissioner, you should be ready to walk away rather than compromise democracy.”
He also criticised the regionalisation of electoral processes, warning that biases whether political, ethnic, or religious undermine electoral credibility.
Jega: Political Manipulation Weakens Electoral Bodies
Professor Jega, in his remarks, outlined the challenges weakening democracy in West Africa, including:
- Political interference in the appointment and removal of electoral officials
- Intimidation and targeting of electoral officers
- Obstruction of legal reforms to strengthen electoral bodies
- Manipulation of registration and voting procedures
- Withholding of funds to undermine election credibility
Jega urged civil society organisations and citizens to continue mobilising for electoral reforms to safeguard democracy.
Lessons from West Africa’s Elections
Jonathan highlighted recent elections in Ghana, Liberia, and Senegal, commending Ghana’s strong democratic institutions, Liberia’s peaceful transition, and Senegal’s resilient electoral process despite pre-election unrest. However, he warned that electoral irregularities, voter suppression, and ethnic tensions as seen in parts of West Africa must be addressed to strengthen democracy.
Both leaders called for reforms to ensure independent, well-resourced, and transparent electoral bodies capable of delivering credible elections in Nigeria and the wider region.
