Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a new system for appointing the next chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. Speaking in Abuja through Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, he proposed an independent screening and nomination body made up of representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia and professional groups.
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The call comes as the tenure of the current INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, is due to end in October after two terms. Jonathan said a more transparent process would strengthen public confidence in the electoral body, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching. He argued that direct presidential nomination has fuelled concerns about neutrality.
While calling for reforms to address what he described as growing political party indiscipline, Mr. Jonathan recommended creating an independent office of Registrar of Political Parties, with powers to regulate party operations, enforce discipline and declare vacant the seats of elected officials who defect without justification.
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