Jonathan Warns of ‘Ghost Voters,’ Urges INEC Officials to Resign Instead of Rigging Elections, Calls for Stronger Democratic Reforms in West Africa
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, citing the presence of ‘ghost voters’ as a major challenge. Speaking at the YIAGA Africa Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa, held in Abuja on Tuesday, Jonathan asserted that accurate vote counts remain elusive due to electoral malpractice.
He urged officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold integrity, stating that it is more honorable for them to resign rather than yield to pressure to manipulate elections.
“In Nigeria, you can’t get an accurate count of votes because we have too many ghost voters,” Jonathan remarked. He stressed the need for electoral officials willing to stand firm against political pressure or step down if faced with unethical demands.
Highlighting the broader challenges in West Africa, he pointed to recent elections in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Senegal, where irregularities, voter intimidation, and legal disputes undermined public trust. In contrast, he praised Ghana, Liberia, and Senegal for conducting relatively peaceful and credible elections, emphasizing that strong democratic institutions—not just technology—are crucial for election integrity.
Jonathan further called for electoral reforms, youth participation, and independent electoral bodies, warning that unless Nigeria refines its electoral system, democracy will remain fragile.
He also condemned the regionalization of elections, noting that political and religious biases continue to hinder Nigeria’s ability to elect capable leaders.
The former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, echoed similar concerns, warning against political interference in electoral processes, intimidation of officials, and strategic legal changes that favor incumbents.
Jonathan concluded by urging West African nations to sustain democratic progress, warning that without transparent elections, the region risks political instability and setbacks in governance.
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