Jonathan Seeks Credible Process for Choosing INEC Chair, Warns Against Defections

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for urgent electoral reforms, prioritizing a new process for appointing the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman and curbing the rising tide of political defections.

Speaking at the National Action Plan for Electoral Reform Dialogue organized by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, and represented by Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Jonathan acknowledged gains since 1999 but said key flaws still undermine public trust. He urged reforms that better reflect the will of the people and the principles of justice, accountability and inclusion.

Jonathan proposed an independent screening and nomination panel for the INEC chair, with members drawn from the judiciary, civil society, academia, trade unions and professional bodies. He said a credible, arms length process would reduce perceptions of bias, strengthen confidence in INEC and enhance the legitimacy of its decisions.

On defections, Jonathan criticized the increasing practice of elected officials abandoning the parties on whose platforms they won, often without clear ideological reasons. He backed creating an independent Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to regulate party operations, promote internal democracy and enforce party discipline. He said the registrar should have authority to declare the seat of any defector vacant, noting that similar systems operate in Kenya and Malawi, where they affirm that electoral mandates belong to the people, not individual ambition.

Jonathan also urged that all election petitions be concluded before swearing in winners, warning that seating candidates with unresolved cases creates confusion and erodes confidence. He called for streamlining the judicial process by reducing the number of courts that hear electoral disputes, especially for governorship and presidential contests.

In party reactions, Peoples Democratic Party National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the PDP has many qualified contenders for the 2027 presidential race and noted that Jonathan remains a PDP member. He also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as one of the party’s standout performers.