Free, fair, and transparent elections are the cornerstone of any sustainable democracy. They serve as a barometer for public trust in governance and a reflection of the people’s will. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule nearly three decades ago, the country has struggled to achieve this fundamental principle. Sadly, the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has only deepened the mistrust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Appointed in October 2015, Yakubu’s leadership began with optimism but quickly descended into controversy. His initial handling of elections in Bayelsa State, which he controversially declared inconclusive, signaled a troubling precedent. The suspension of election result collation and announcement during critical moments further fueled concerns about his competence and impartiality.
Under Yakubu’s watch, INEC has become synonymous with electoral disputes. By August 2024, the commission was reportedly entangled in over 500 court cases related to election misconduct. This staggering figure is a testament to systemic failures that have plagued Nigeria’s democratic journey, leaving many questioning whether free and fair elections are achievable under his leadership.
One of the most damning criticisms came from former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, a respected elder statesman. Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, Obasanjo labeled the 2023 general elections as a “travesty.” He pointedly criticized INEC for betraying public trust and called for sweeping reforms, including the immediate dismissal of Yakubu and other INEC officials.
Obasanjo’s concerns were echoed by local and international observers who monitored the 2023 elections. Despite INEC’s promises to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency, these technologies were largely sidelined. This deliberate omission paved the way for widespread irregularities, further eroding public confidence.
The Edo State gubernatorial election in September 2024 stands out as a low point in Nigeria’s electoral history. Observers decried blatant manipulation, logistical failures, and a lack of transparency, all under INEC’s supervision. Similarly, the elections in Imo and Kogi states have left a bitter taste, with allegations of vote rigging and disenfranchisement dominating the discourse.
Professor Yakubu’s tenure has been characterized by a troubling pattern: every major election conducted under his leadership has ended in controversy. This pattern raises critical questions about his capacity to lead an institution as vital as INEC. Is it incompetence, bias, or both? Whatever the case, the consequences for Nigeria’s democracy are dire.
Trust is the currency of democracy, and INEC under Yakubu has squandered it. The repeated failure to ensure credible elections undermines the very foundation of governance. How can Nigerians trust their leaders when the process of electing them is riddled with flaws?
Obasanjo’s call for reform goes beyond Yakubu’s resignation. He advocated for a shorter tenure for INEC chairpersons and a more rigorous vetting process to ensure impartiality and competence. These recommendations are timely and must be taken seriously if Nigeria is to salvage its democratic project.
The argument that systemic issues, not individuals, are the root cause of Nigeria’s electoral problems cannot absolve Yakubu of his responsibility. Leadership matters, and the buck stops with him. His resignation, or dismissal, would send a strong signal that accountability still holds sway in Nigeria’s governance framework.
Yakubu’s defenders may argue that he is a scapegoat in a system plagued by corruption and political interference. However, a leader’s primary duty is to rise above these challenges and uphold integrity. By failing to do so, Yakubu has become a symbol of the very dysfunction he was meant to reform.
The need for electoral reform in Nigeria has never been more urgent. Beyond Yakubu’s exit, the country must overhaul its electoral processes. This includes investing in robust technological systems, enforcing strict penalties for electoral malpractice, and fostering an environment where INEC can operate independently.
As it stands, the perception is that INEC, under Yakubu, serves the interests of a privileged few rather than the Nigerian people. This perception, whether accurate or not, is enough to delegitimize the institution and, by extension, the elections it oversees.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu must step aside. His continued leadership is a liability to Nigeria’s democracy. His resignation would not only restore a semblance of credibility to INEC but also pave the way for the comprehensive reforms needed to ensure that future elections truly reflect the will of the people. Nigeria deserves nothing less.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray,
Publisher/Editor-In-Chief of Truth Live News Int’l, a Journalist and Socio-Political Activist writes from London, England.