Daud Olatunji
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns over the prevalence of ghost voters on the electoral register in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms to ensure electoral integrity.
Speaking at the YIAGA Africa reflection conference on democratic elections in West Africa held in Abuja, Jonathan highlighted significant issues plaguing Nigeria’s electoral system despite technological advancements.
Jonathan acknowledged the strides made in West Africa’s democratic journey but stressed persistent challenges, particularly regarding voter turnout and the credibility of electoral processes.
He pointed out that despite the introduction of the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, logistical issues, technical glitches, and allegations of irregularities marred the polls.
Comparatively, Jonathan praised Ghana for successfully conducting elections with limited technology, citing the crucial role played by the electoral commission and security authorities in ensuring transparency and fairness.
He also noted successful elections in Liberia and Senegal, where despite limited deployment of technology, processes remained peaceful and transparent with high voter turnout.
“In some countries,” Jonathan remarked, “we saw the positive impact of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability through biometric voter registration, electronic voting systems, and real-time result transmission.”
However, Jonathan expressed concern over Nigeria’s electoral challenges, particularly the persistence of ghost voters.
He highlighted the need for credible leadership within electoral commissions, stressing that such leadership is vital to safeguarding democratic principles amidst growing political tensions and technological advancements.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s electoral evolution, Jonathan noted the transition from manual processes to the introduction of the card reader and subsequently the BVAS.
Despite these technological advancements, he lamented that electoral outcomes have regressed rather than progressed.
“For elections in Nigeria to be truly free and fair, we must address the issue of ghost voters decisively.
“Only genuine voters should determine election outcomes.”
Jonathan concluded by advocating for reforms that prioritize transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s electoral processes.
He called on stakeholders to work towards eliminating electoral malpractice and ensuring that only legitimate voters participate in elections, thereby reinforcing democratic values and public trust in the electoral system.
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