Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that Nigeria requires an independent office for the registration of political parties to address what he described as the “growing crisis of political party indiscipline.”
He made this suggestion during the public launch of the national action plan for electoral reforms, organized by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Jonathan was represented by the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ms. Ann Iyonu.
He noted that while Nigeria has made significant strides since returning to democratic governance in 1999, the electoral system still faces considerable challenges.
Jonathan emphasized that if Nigeria is genuinely committed to democracy, its citizens must be courageous enough to reform the electoral process to reflect the people’s will and uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and inclusivity.
He pointed out that addressing the escalating issue of political party indiscipline is crucial for enhancing democratic processes and ensuring the legitimacy of elections.
The former president added that political parties, which should be the cornerstone of democracy, have become susceptible to instability and opportunism.
He expressed concern over the alarming increase in the practice of cross-carpeting, where elected officials switch parties without ideological justification or accountability to their voters.
“To address this, we should seriously consider establishing an independent office of the registrar of political parties, responsible for regulating party activities, promoting internal democracy, and enforcing party discipline.
“This is a proposal I have previously suggested, and I believe it is worth reiterating in a forum like this.
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“During my time as an election observer over the past decade, I have witnessed this approach work effectively in countries such as Kenya and Malawi.
“Importantly, this office should have the authority to declare the seat of any defector vacant.
This reform would reinforce the principle that the electoral mandate belongs to the people, not individual ambitions,” Jonathan stated.
The former president also recommended a new method for appointing the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), advocating for the creation of an independent screening and nomination process.
Jonathan asserted that the credibility of elections heavily relies on the neutrality and competence of the INEC.
“Numerous questions have been raised regarding the appropriateness of the process for appointing the INEC chairman.
“Many countries, during their democratic development, have recognized the need for reforming this process.
“I believe Nigeria can also enhance this process by establishing an independent screening and nomination mechanism, which would include representatives from the judiciary and civil society,” he concluded.
