Jonathan: INEC Vote Count Inaccurate Due to Ghost Voters
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, blaming inaccuracies in vote counts on the presence of “ghost voters.” Speaking at the YIAGA Africa Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, held in Abuja, he stressed the need for integrity among officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Jonathan argued that unless INEC is led by individuals willing to resign rather than manipulate election results, the country will continue to struggle with flawed elections. He emphasized that officials should stand firm against political pressure and uphold democratic principles.
He also criticized the growing regional influence on elections, stating that it affects voters’ choices, even among religious groups. He questioned the effectiveness of democracy if the electoral system is not improved to ensure only real voters participate.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, he noted that despite the introduction of technology like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Results Viewing Portal, challenges such as logistical failures, violence, and technical issues persisted.
Jonathan compared Nigeria’s elections with those in Ghana, Liberia, and Senegal, where fewer technological advancements were used but results were widely accepted. He pointed out that without strong leadership and the will to do the right thing, technology alone cannot guarantee credible elections.
He called for more youth participation, electoral reforms, and strong institutions to deepen democracy. He also urged West African leaders to address poverty, inequality, and climate change, which contribute to instability.
Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, also spoke at the event, highlighting challenges such as political interference in appointing electoral officials, legal roadblocks to reforms, and financial constraints affecting INEC’s independence.
Jonathan concluded by emphasizing that despite setbacks, West Africa has largely moved away from military rule and must continue strengthening democracy through free and fair elections.
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