Former President Jonathan Blasts INEC, Reveals Why They Can’t Produce Accurate Election Results

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised alarms about the presence of “ghost voters” in Nigeria’s electoral system, questioning the accuracy of vote counts during elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the YIAGA Africa Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa in Abuja, Jonathan emphasized that Nigeria’s electoral credibility will remain compromised unless individuals with integrity are appointed to lead the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He urged electoral officials to step down rather than yield to political pressure to alter election results, stating, “We need credible leaders. Political figures who are overly dominant will push you to make wrong decisions; you should have the courage to resign and walk away.”

Addressing the flaws in Nigeria’s electoral system, Jonathan explained that the presence of ghost voters means accurate vote counts are impossible. “Until only real voters cast legitimate ballots, and those votes truly matter, our electoral system will be flawed. If the voter card system doesn’t work, what’s the point of democracy?” he said.

He also criticized the regional influence on elections, which he believes leads to identity-based politics overshadowing the selection of competent leaders.

Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Jonathan pointed out logistical difficulties, voting delays, violence, and technical failures despite the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal.

He also drew attention to the electoral challenges faced by countries like Sierra Leone and Senegal, where voter intimidation, ethnic divisions, and contested results led to political unrest. However, he commended Ghana, Liberia, and Senegal for conducting peaceful and credible elections.

Comparing Nigeria’s process to other African nations, Jonathan observed that countries like Liberia, Senegal, and Ghana, despite deploying fewer electoral technologies, had higher voter turnouts, transparent elections, and smoother power transitions. He noted that in Liberia, former President George Weah’s concession to opposition candidate Joseph Boakai set a positive example for democratic transitions.

Jonathan concluded, “In countries like Nigeria and Sierra Leone, where more technology was used, the electoral process was marred by greater controversy, legal challenges, and political tensions.”