Ballot Should Decide Election Winner, Not Court – Jonathan 

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Jonathan said when there are discrepancies in the electoral process, the court is supposed to order a rerun and not declare a winner.

The former president also said the inducement of voters by politicians in the country has made elections very expensive.

He called for stiffer punishment for people who induce voters with gifts and cash.

“I am not saying the judiciary is not doing well, but our laws should suppress the idea of our judiciary returning candidates. The ballots should decide who occupies the councillorship seat up to the presidency. That is democracy.

“The problem we have in Nigeria is the use of money to induce some voters. Compared to other African countries, we spend too much money here. Probably, we need to review our laws because I have observed a number of elections in African countries.

“If you do that, you are supposed to be disqualified from contesting in the election. So, these are the things that make our elections expensive. I think if the young people are willing, things should begin to change.

“For instance in Tanzania, a candidate does not need to print his name on matchbox or any item to woo voters. If you do that, they say that you are inducing the electorate. It is against their laws.”