Nigeria @65: Jonathan, Osinbajo, Jega, Others To Demand Bold Electoral Reforms

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, erstwhile Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and erstwhile president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega volition pb different stakeholders to motorboat a National Movement for Electoral Reforms successful Abuja connected October 1.

Others who volition assemble for the lawsuit are erstwhile Minister of Education Dr Oby Ezekwesili; ineligible luminary Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and governmental economist Prof. Pat Utomi.

The initiative, convened by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) and the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF) successful concern with the Nigeria Electoral Reforms Coalition (NERCO) and Partners for Electoral Reforms, comes arsenic the state marks its 65th independency anniversary.

The event, which volition instrumentality spot successful Abuja, volition beryllium themed “Critical Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections successful 2027.”

Jonathan volition seat the dialog portion Osinbajo volition service arsenic alternate chairman.

The question aims to physique statement connected cardinal reforms, including physics transmission of results, national engagement successful the assignment of INEC leadership, fiscal and operational autonomy for INEC, regularisation of governmental enactment financing, enforcement of interior enactment democracy, and broader usage of exertion successful elections.

It volition besides propulsion for inclusion of women, youths, and persons with disabilities, much important electoral justice, measures against ballot buying and violence, and sustained elector education.

The organisers said the 2023 wide elections exposed captious weaknesses successful the system, stressing the request for urgent reforms to support the credibility of aboriginal polls.

Panel discussions astatine the dialog volition screen law reforms, electoral technology, accountability, and inclusivity.

The outcomes of the deliberations volition beryllium documented successful a National Charter of Demands connected Electoral Reforms, which volition beryllium presented to the National Assembly, INEC, governmental parties, and different stakeholders.