The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has chided former President Olusegun Obasanjo for calling for the dismissal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It should be recalled that Obasanjo during his speech at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, USA, recently called for the sacking of the head of the nation’s electoral umpire.
Miffed by what it described as a move ill-advised, politically motivated, lacking any substantive merit or ethical grounding, the group in a statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, secretary general, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said Obasanjo’s historical record as a leader overseeing Nigeria’s electoral processes reveals a troubling legacy.
In the statement which reads in part, Isiguzoro said: “The elections conducted under his administration in 2003 and 2007 have been universally condemned as the worst in Nigerian history by local and international observers alike. These elections are etched in our memory as benchmarks of electoral malpractice, where the institutional integrity of INEC was severely compromised and the public’s trust in democratic processes eroded.
“It is indeed paradoxical for Mr. Obasanjo to seek the removal of Professor Yakubu when his presidency played a pivotal role in institutionalising irregularities and corruption within the electoral system. The troubling trajectory of INEC during Obasanjo’s tenure from 2003 to 2007 culminated in a third-term bid that ultimately failed, exposing the depths of political manipulation prevalent at the time.
“Former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s candid admission post-election in 2007 that the electoral process was fundamentally flawed starkly underscores the urgency for reform—a mission he initiated before his tragic passing in 2010. His successor, Goodluck Jonathan, further expanded upon these reforms, emphasising the necessity for integrity in our electoral framework. In this context, it is incumbent upon all citizens to recognise that Mr. Obasanjo’s recent statements are thus laden with political undertones that undermine his credibility in advocating for electoral integrity today.
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“Ohanaeze Ndigbo posits that it is fundamentally premature and ill-timed for anyone to call for the sack of Professor Mahmood Yakubu while he is still in office, especially because his tenure is set to conclude in 2025. We advocate for a period of stability and completion of ongoing reforms, suggesting that discussions around the future leadership and structure of INEC should commence only after Yakubu’s term has expired.
“Our organization’s position on this matter is clear: Nigeria’s electoral reforms should be approached with a spirit of collaboration and foresight, particularly as we look toward the end of Professor Yakubu’s tenure. We expect that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will take decisive and judicious steps toward transforming INEC, with the robust support of the National Assembly, thereby fortifying the electoral landscape in Nigeria for all citizens.
“Furthermore, we commend the advancements that INEC has made thus far under the leadership of Professor Yakubu. The implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) during off-cycle elections in states such as Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa, Edo, and Ondo stands as a testament to a commitment to transparency and accountability. These developments have begun to restore public confidence in the electoral process, allowing for a more engaged and informed electorate.
“In conclusion, we urge all stakeholders to approach the delicate issue of electoral integrity with seriousness and diligence. Let us focus our efforts on constructive dialogue, enhanced cooperation, and the challenges we must overcome collectively rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric that ultimately detracts from the progress we seek.”