Jonathan spoke in Washington, where he was attending a two-day summit on nuclear security hosted by US President Barack Obama. The pair met on Sunday, and Obama urged the Nigerian leader to make "historic" progress in combating corruption and backed his vow to forge electoral reform.
"I've given clear directives to the INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) that we will not accommodate any wrongdoing," Jonathan told a panel of experts at the Council on Foreign Relations think-tank.
Nigeria, the most populous country on the African continent and the eighth biggest exporter of oil, "must show the lead in Africa," especially as concerns how elections are held, the Nigerian leader said.
He vowed to review "individually" each member of the electoral commission.
"The ones who we feel are not good enough to be reappointed, we will not reappoint, and we'll inject fresh blood," said Jonathan, Nigeria's acting leader since he took over two months ago from ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua.
"Between now and the 2011 elections, there will be lots of changes."
Nigeria is attempting to implement wide-ranging reforms after the flawed vote in 2007 that brought Yar'Adua to power. The vote was criticized by the opposition, rights groups, local and foreign observers, including the European Union.
Jonathan sidestepped criticism of CENI chief Maurice Iwu, despite calls for his resignation from protesters in Abuja.
"I'm convinced that INEC, the president of INEC, can conduct elections in Nigeria (that are) free and fair," Jonathan said.
Nigeria, which is to hold presidential polls in January or April 2011, has a history of electoral fraud and violence.
But Jonathan promised last month that his government would do its best to stage a peaceful and violence-free electoral process next year.
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