Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a major reform of the country’s electoral process, citing concerns over credibility and trust.
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, USA, Obasanjo criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its leadership, particularly Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, for what he described as a “travesty” in the 2023 general elections.
Obasanjo demanded the dismissal of Yakubu and other INEC officials across all levels, proposing shorter tenures and a rigorous vetting process to ensure impartiality. “The INEC Chairperson must not only be absolutely above board but must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he stated.
The former president also highlighted the commission’s failure to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) during the 2023 elections, despite public assurances. “These technologies, celebrated for their potential to boost transparency, were wilfully sidelined, resulting in widespread voting irregularities,” Obasanjo alleged.
He emphasized the urgent need for reforms to prevent undue political influence and corruption, while restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
Obasanjo’s remarks come in the wake of contentious elections in Edo and Ondo States. In Edo State, the election results sparked protests and controversy, with allegations of irregularities.
Meanwhile, in Ondo State, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) accused the ruling party of engaging in vote-buying during the polls.
The disputes in these states further underscore the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system, adding weight to Obasanjo’s call for comprehensive reforms. “Nigeria must act swiftly to re-establish trust in its democratic processes,” Obasanjo concluded.