Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has demanded the removal of Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside other INEC officials, as part of sweeping electoral reforms needed in Nigeria.
Obasanjo made this appeal during his presentation at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, where he spoke on the theme “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria.”
In a pre-recorded address, Obasanjo condemned the 2023 general elections, describing them as a “travesty,” and stressed that urgent electoral reforms were necessary for Nigeria’s future. He called for the thorough vetting of the INEC leadership at all levels of governance, highlighting the need for impartial and credible officials who could restore public trust in the electoral system.
“Electoral reforms must be a priority. We need credible, incorruptible leaders who are transparent and independent,” Obasanjo emphasized. He also criticized INEC’s failure to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) during the 2023 elections, which were previously lauded for enhancing election transparency.
Obasanjo’s remarks echo widespread criticism of INEC’s management of the 2023 elections, particularly the technical failure of the IReV platform, which was crucial for post-election transparency. He further denounced INEC’s actions, accusing the commission of intentionally neglecting these technologies to facilitate electoral irregularities.
The controversy surrounding INEC’s handling of election results has continued to fuel tensions, with legal challenges and the controversy of the presidential election in Rivers State, where some allege discrepancies in the results. Obasanjo also pointed to concerns over INEC’s appointments of partisan officials, particularly during the Edo State governorship election and recent appointments linked to the ruling APC.
Though Obasanjo advocates for electoral reform, his own record on election integrity during his presidency has been questioned, especially following the controversial 2003 and 2007 elections. Despite the criticism, the reforms initiated after his tenure, especially under the leadership of late President Yar’Adua and continued by Goodluck Jonathan, laid the groundwork for changes in Nigeria’s electoral system.
As INEC’s current chairman, Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure nears its end, Obasanjo’s call for reform remains a significant point in ongoing debates about Nigeria’s electoral future.
The Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, which Obasanjo participated in, brought together influential Nigerians, including political figures like Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, as well as former Minister Oby Ezekwesili, to discuss leadership, democracy, and Africa’s future.
