Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has raised alarm over the increasing trend of politicians defecting from one political party to another, calling it detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy. Speaking at the National Action Plan for Electoral Reform Dialogue organized by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Jonathan emphasized the urgent need for reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure credibility and accountability in elections.
Represented at the event by Ann Iyonu, Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Jonathan acknowledged Nigeria’s democratic progress since 1999 but underscored persistent systemic flaws. He highlighted the disturbing rise of "cross-cupping," where elected officials switch parties post-election without ideological reasons or accountability to the electorate, undermining political stability.
Jonathan advocated for the establishment of an independent Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to enhance transparency, discipline, and stability in the country’s political system. He stressed bold reforms are necessary to align the electoral process with the will of the people and democratic principles of justice and inclusion.
His statements reflect growing concerns among Nigerian political stakeholders about party indiscipline and the erosion of democratic norms, reinforcing calls for structural electoral reforms.