Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the removal of INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, citing failures during the 2023 general elections. Obasanjo emphasized the need for electoral reforms, including non-partisan leadership and better use of technology, to restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the dismissal of Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other electoral leaders, following what he described as a “travesty” in the 2023 general elections. Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, Obasanjo emphasized the need for comprehensive electoral reforms, focusing on the removal of partisan officials and ensuring a more rigorous vetting process for INEC leaders.
Obasanjo criticized INEC for its failure to utilize technological tools, like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which were touted to ensure transparent and credible elections. He argued that this neglect led to widespread irregularities during the election, undermining public trust in the process.
Obasanjo's remarks echoed long-standing concerns about INEC’s credibility, citing previous elections under his administration as also deeply flawed. Despite this, he called for the appointment of a non-partisan and incorruptible INEC leadership, both at the federal and local levels.
The call for reform comes amid ongoing criticism of INEC's conduct in recent elections, including the controversial 2023 presidential race and the Edo State governorship election. Obasanjo’s appeal for electoral change is seen as a continued push to restore trust in Nigeria’s democratic process. The former president’s remarks also coincide with discussions on leadership in Africa, where intellectuals and politicians have gathered to address the continent's political challenges.
