Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns over the accuracy of Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that ‘ghost voters’ compromise the integrity of vote counts. Speaking at the YIAGA Africa Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, held in Abuja, Jonathan emphasized that electoral credibility remains elusive due to systemic flaws and external pressures on election officials.
He urged officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold integrity, stating that it would be more honorable to resign than succumb to political manipulation.
“In Nigeria, you can’t get an accurate vote count because of too many ghost voters,” Jonathan said. “We must have credible electoral officers who would rather walk away than rig elections under pressure.”
The former president called for a robust electoral system that prioritizes credibility, stressing that a functional democracy depends on a fair and verifiable voting process.
Challenges of Regional Influence and Electoral Technology
Jonathan also criticized the growing regionalization of Nigeria’s electoral process, warning that political and religious biases have infiltrated decision-making. He argued that this trend affects the ability to elect capable leaders and undermines national unity.
He also reflected on Nigeria’s 2023 elections, which faced logistical issues, delayed voting, and technical glitches despite INEC’s adoption of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
Comparing Nigeria’s experience with elections in Ghana, Liberia, and Senegal, he observed that nations using less technology often experienced smoother elections. He noted that despite limited technological deployment, Ghana’s elections were largely peaceful and credible.
“In countries where more technology was deployed, like Nigeria and Sierra Leone, elections triggered more disputes, legal battles, and tensions,” he said. “This proves that while technology is helpful, strong human oversight and political will remain essential.”
Calls for Electoral Reforms and Democratic Stability
Jonathan called for reforms to improve voter registration and electoral management, advocating for strong and independent electoral bodies. He warned that democracy in West Africa faces risks from political interference, election fraud, and manipulation.
The former president also stressed the importance of youth participation and leadership accountability, urging political figures to prioritize governance over personal ambition.
He commended West Africa’s democratic progress despite recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, emphasizing that elections should remain the standard for leadership transitions.
“The military regimes in the region are now treated as anomalies within ECOWAS, showing our collective commitment to democracy,” he said.
Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, echoed Jonathan’s concerns, identifying political interference, weak regulations, and targeted pressure on electoral officials as major threats to democracy.
Jonathan concluded by urging West African nations to strengthen democratic institutions, improve governance, and ensure electoral transparency to foster stability in the region.
