Jonathan proposes new process for appointing INEC chair

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for reforms in the appointment of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the creation of an independent screening and nomination process to strengthen the commission’s credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking through Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, at the launch of the National Action Plan for Electoral Reforms in Abuja on Wednesday, Jonathan argued that the current practice—where the president nominates the INEC chair—fuels doubts about neutrality.

He proposed an independent body comprising representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia, and professional groups to vet candidates and recommend a shortlist for presidential appointment.

According to him, such a mechanism would reduce perceptions of bias, build public trust, and enhance INEC’s legitimacy.

Jonathan’s intervention comes as Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as INEC chairman nears its end in October.

With President Bola Tinubu expected to seek re-election in 2027, analysts say the choice of Yakubu’s successor will be crucial to public confidence in the polls.

Drawing from his own experience, Jonathan recalled nominating Prof. Attahiru Jega in 2010, who went on to conduct the 2011 and 2015 elections, including the latter where Jonathan peacefully conceded power.

He said this underscores the weight of the office and the need for a credible appointment process.

Beyond INEC, the former president revived his call for an independent Registrar of Political Parties to regulate party affairs, enforce discipline, and curb rampant defections by elected officials. He argued that defectors should automatically lose their seats, stressing that political mandates belong to the people, not individuals.

Jonathan also urged reforms to ensure all post-election disputes are resolved before winners are sworn in, warning that delayed judgments destabilize governance.

“We must confront our democratic weaknesses with honesty and reform our system with courage,” he said.

“Let us build a Nigeria where elections are credible, leaders accountable, and democracy truly delivers for the people.”