By Muhammad Mamman
Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the growing trend of political defections, describing it as a threat to democratic stability and accountability.
Speaking at the National Action Plan for Electoral Reform Dialogue organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Jonathan urged swift reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system and restore public trust.
Represented by Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the former president acknowledged that Nigeria had made progress since its return to democracy, but insisted the process remains fraught with weaknesses.
“If we are truly committed to democracy, we must be bold enough to reform the process to reflect the will of the people and the principles of justice, accountability, and inclusion,” Jonathan said.
He criticised the growing practice of “cross-carpeting” — politicians defecting from the parties under which they were elected — often without ideological basis or accountability. He warned that such opportunism fuels instability and undermines democracy.
Jonathan proposed the creation of an independent Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, tasked with regulating party operations, ensuring internal democracy, and enforcing party discipline. Drawing from examples in Kenya and Malawi, he said the registrar should have powers to declare the seats of defectors vacant, affirming that electoral mandates belong to the people, not individual ambition.
The former president also called for reforms in the appointment process of the INEC chairman, suggesting that an independent panel should be empowered to screen and nominate candidates, rather than leaving the decision solely to the presidency.
Jonathan stressed that these reforms are critical to deepening Nigeria’s democratic culture and preventing its institutions from being weakened by self-interest and political opportunism.
