Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the establishment of an independent office of the Registrar of Political Parties as a way to address what he described as the “growing crisis of political party indiscipline” in Nigeria.
He made the recommendation during the public presentation of the National Action Plan for Electoral Reforms, organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought on Wednesday in Abuja. Jonathan was represented at the event by Ms. Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.
According to Jonathan, while Nigeria has recorded democratic progress since 1999, the electoral system continues to face deep-rooted challenges. He stressed that genuine democracy requires reforms that uphold justice, accountability, and inclusion.
Highlighting his concerns, Jonathan noted that political parties—meant to be the backbone of democracy—are increasingly plagued by instability and opportunism.
“We have witnessed a troubling rise in cross-carpeting, with elected officials defecting from the parties that brought them into office, often without ideological justification or accountability to voters,” he said.
He argued that creating an independent registrar of political parties would help regulate party operations, enforce discipline, and strengthen internal democracy. The office, he added, should also have the power to declare vacant the seat of any lawmaker who defects without justification. Jonathan cited Kenya and Malawi as examples where such frameworks have worked effectively.
The former president also proposed reforms to strengthen the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He suggested introducing an independent screening and nomination body—including representatives of the judiciary, civil society, academia, and professional groups—to vet candidates for the position of INEC chairman before presidential appointment.
“This reform would reduce perceptions of bias, promote public trust in INEC, and reinforce the legitimacy of its decisions,” Jonathan said.
He further called for changes to Nigeria’s post-election litigation process, urging that all electoral disputes, particularly those concerning final outcomes, be resolved before elected officials are sworn into office. He argued that the current system—where candidates assume office only to face possible removal by court rulings—creates instability and undermines governance.
“Justice delayed in elections is justice denied, not just for candidates but for the electorate,” Jonathan emphasized.
Commending the Abuja School for its commitment to democratic reforms, Jonathan urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism and courage in strengthening the nation’s democracy.
“Let us build a Nigeria where elections are credible, leaders are accountable, and democracy truly delivers for the people,” he said.