Former President Goodluck Jonathan shares his experience in the 2015 election, revealing how readers reject him, his wife and mother in polls.
Naija News Jonathan lost the 2015 election to his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, recalled.
It is worth noting that the then Independent National Election Commission (INEC) was under the supervision of its former chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega.
Jonathan addressed at the Yiaga Africa reflection conference in Abuja on Tuesday, where Jonathan pointed out that the issuance of card readers has caused almost major unrest in Nigeria.
Jonathan stressed that the actions of the election management agencies and police officers largely determine the integrity of the election.
The theme of the conference was “Strengthening the Democratic Process in West Africa: Lessons from the 2024 General Election and the Prospects for Future Elections”, supported by the European Commission, Ecowas and Giz.
The former president said: “Strengthening of electoral institutions: Independent and impartial election commissions and non-partisan security agents are the cornerstone of reliable elections. We must invest in the capacity to build these institutions and protect their independence from political interference.
“I always think that the success or failure of any election is in the hands of two critical bodies, the election administration and the police.
“The stability of democracy is undoubtedly closely related to the way it is held and regulated. If the election is not properly managed by security personnel, it must be fair, just, the credibility of the election process and can be expanded, thus undermining the legitimacy of governance.transparent
Card readers almost burn Nigeria
However, Jonathan praised the growing role of youth in the electoral process, describing their participation as one of the most critical developments in recent election reforms.
Jonathan said further narrating his experience on the card reader, “When Jega was there, he introduced the card reader, but during the election the card reader rejected me, almost making the country burn. Because the card reader rejected me, I turned down my wife, I turned down my wife, I mother.”
He stressed that despite the obstacles, the importance of technological advancement in elections across West Africa is crucial.
He noted that significant progress has been made in the electoral process in countries such as Liberia, Senegal and Ghana, and observed that these enhanced capabilities have encouraged an increase in democratic participation.
He said “It must be noted that high voter votes in Liberia, Senegal and Ghana and the formal transition of power in these countries demonstrate public enthusiasm for democratic participation and consolidation.
“And I have to praise Senegal’s elections. For me, this is one of some of my elections outside of Africa and beyond.”
In his keynote speech by his chairman, Jega recognized concerns about the return of democracy in the region, but stressed that the population continues to be eager for responsibility and representative governance.
“While worrying evidence suggests democratic progress in West Africa, citizens still have a great appetite for democratic governments that represent and accountable,” Jaga said.
He pointed out that citizens, civil society organizations and democratic political actors need to effectively mobilize for reliable and sustainable democratic development.
He said “Election of good representatives in governance and taking them accountable will make the government more influential about citizens’ needs and aspirations for social progress and socio-economic development.”
JEGA also pointed out the progress in the development of the Independent Electoral Administration of West Africa (EMB) as acknowledged that much of the work must be done.
Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, It was stated that the meeting was a platform for key stakeholders to reflect on the challenges and progress of electoral reform in West Africa and the need for ongoing efforts for credible and transparent elections.
He said the discussion was intended to provide a comprehensive analysis of the 2024 elections, clarifying key challenges and opportunities for improvement.
