Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has become a flashpoint for public outcry and discontent. Once heralded as a potential reformer, Yakubu now finds himself at the center of a crisis that threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
Under his leadership, INEC has been plagued by allegations of incompetence, partiality, and outright disregard for transparency. From inconclusive elections to failed technological deployments, Yakubu’s record reads like a checklist of everything that undermines a credible electoral process. The events surrounding the 2023 general elections and subsequent gubernatorial polls in states like Edo, Imo, and Kogi have left many Nigerians disillusioned and angry.
The 2023 elections were particularly damaging, as Yakubu assured the nation of a transparent process powered by technology. Yet, the failure to fully implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) exposed a deliberate betrayal of public trust. Such failures not only marred the credibility of the elections but also fueled widespread allegations of fraud and manipulation.
By August 2024, INEC under Yakubu’s watch was facing over 500 court cases challenging election outcomes. This level of litigation is unprecedented and paints a grim picture of an electoral body unable to command public confidence. It is little wonder that former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other prominent voices have called for Yakubu’s immediate resignation.
Obasanjo’s critique of Yakubu’s leadership is particularly telling. At a leadership forum in the United States, the elder statesman described the 2023 elections as a “travesty” and called for sweeping reforms, including the dismissal of Yakubu and his team. He argued that Nigeria’s electoral process cannot move forward with individuals who have repeatedly failed to deliver free and fair elections.
The controversies surrounding the Edo State gubernatorial election in September 2024 have only amplified these calls. Local and international observers were unanimous in their condemnation of the election, highlighting gross irregularities and a lack of transparency. This election, like many under Yakubu’s tenure, has become a symbol of Nigeria’s failing electoral system.
As the custodian of Nigeria’s democratic process, Yakubu has a moral and professional obligation to step aside. His continued leadership erodes public trust and compromises the integrity of INEC as an institution. Resignation, in this case, is not a sign of defeat but a necessary step toward restoring faith in Nigeria’s democracy.
The stakes could not be higher. Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads, and its survival depends on bold and decisive action. For Yakubu, resigning is the least he can do to begin the process of repairing the damage his tenure has inflicted.
For the country, his exit must mark the start of a broader effort to reform the electoral process. INEC needs a leader who is not only competent but also transparently independent and committed to upholding the will of the people. Anything less is unacceptable.
Yakubu’s tenure has become a liability. For the sake of Nigeria’s democracy, he must resign—now.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray is a Journalist,
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Truth Live News Int’l and a Socio-Political Activist writes from London, England!