Jonathan, Jega Condemn Political Influence in Electoral Appointments

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, have raised serious concerns about political interference in the appointments of electoral commissioners, highlighting the potential damage such influence can have on the credibility of electoral processes.

Both Jonathan and Jega shared their concerns at a conference organized by the pro-democracy group Yiaga Africa, in Abuja, on Tuesday. The conference, titled Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, brought together key figures from across the region to discuss the challenges and solutions for fair elections in West Africa.

Jonathan, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of having credible, independent leaders in positions of electoral management, stressing that political interference compromises the integrity of elections. He said, “In Nigeria, you can’t get an accurate count of votes because I believe that we have too many ghost voters.”

He further explained that electoral officials should be able to stand up to political pressure, citing Jega’s own experiences. “Political leaders who are so domineering will pressurize you to do what is wrong; you should be able to resign and leave,” Jonathan stated. He urged INEC officials to be ready to walk away if pressured to act against democratic principles.

Jonathan also spoke against the regionalization of the electoral process, which he believes undermines the integrity of elections, particularly when it becomes tied to ethnic and religious interests. “When the electoral process is so regionalized, we are going to have issues,” he warned, further emphasizing the need for a system where votes truly reflect the will of the people.

He praised countries like Ghana, Liberia, and Senegal for conducting relatively peaceful and credible elections, despite challenges, highlighting that resilient democratic institutions were key to ensuring successful democratic transitions. Jonathan also condemned attempts to manipulate elections, stressing that the strength of the electoral system should not be compromised by political interests.

Professor Jega, for his part, agreed with Jonathan’s assessment, noting the persistent challenges facing electoral processes in West Africa. Jega highlighted political interference in the appointment and removal of electoral commissioners as a major obstacle to free and fair elections. He also pointed out that such interference often leads to the targeting of electoral officials to secure desired outcomes, weakening the entire electoral framework.

He further criticized weak electoral regulations, which enable fraud or manipulation, and stressed the importance of stronger campaign finance oversight and inclusive electoral processes. “Introduction of rules that enable fraud or manipulation, for example through weak regulations around registration or voting procedures, or strategic changes to electoral laws which significantly favor incumbents,” Jega noted as key issues undermining democracy.

Jega also raised concerns about the withholding of funds from electoral bodies and attempts to discredit them, all of which undermine the credibility and effectiveness of electoral management bodies (EMBs).

Both Jonathan and Jega called for greater efforts from citizens, civil society organizations, and change advocates to mobilize effectively for credible elections in West Africa. They urged for continued vigilance and pressure on electoral authorities to ensure that democratic processes remain fair, transparent, and free from political manipulation.

This dialogue between two prominent figures in West African democracy reflects the ongoing struggles to establish truly independent electoral systems in the region, one of the key pillars of long-term democratic stability in the subcontinent.