Issue No 11
As the tenure of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) draws to a close, the nation stands at a critical electoral junction. A reflective look back—and a cautious look forward—raises compelling questions about INEC's credibility, political independence, and the fate of democracy in Nigeria.
The Jega Legacy: A Symbol of Reform
Professor
Attahiru Jega, who served from June 2010 to June 2015, is widely credited with
restoring a degree of public faith in INEC. Under his leadership, biometric
voter registration and the use of card readers during elections were
introduced. These innovations helped curb fraud and boosted transparency.
Professor Attahiru Jega
Jega’s
crowning moment came in 2015, when Nigeria witnessed a historic peaceful
transition of power from an incumbent to an opposition candidate—an
unprecedented milestone. His impartiality, calm resolve, and refusal to pander
to political pressure elevated INEC’s status and earned him national and
international commendation.
When
Professor Mahmood Yakubu took the reins in 2015, expectations soared. His
administration brought technological upgrades such as the Bimodal Voter
Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). These
tools were meant to deepen credibility. However, the 2023 general elections
proved to be a huge credibility test—and one INEC barely passed.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu
Failure
to transmit results in real time via IReV, inconsistent application of BVAS,
and logistical challenges cast a dark shadow over Yakubu’s legacy. Former
President Olusegun Obasanjo openly criticized the 2023 elections as a
“travesty,” urging that Yakubu step down for undermining public confidence.
Off-Cycle Elections: Mixed Signals
The
litmus test of INEC’s integrity under Yakubu extended beyond general elections
to off-cycle gubernatorial polls in Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo and Edo
states. While some were declared relatively peaceful, many were marred by
logistical failures, alleged voter suppression, and vote buying—factors that
diminished public confidence. For instance, the Kogi governorship election of
2019 and 2024 Edo governorship election faced severe criticism for allowing
electoral violence to go unchecked, particularly in areas with high opposition
turnout. These
elections drew both local and international condemnation for widespread
violence, massive rigging and collusion between security agencies and thugs.
Political Patronage and Candidate
Imposition: The Akpabio and Lawan Precedents As Case Studies in Electoral
Contortion
Perhaps
the most damning episodes under Yakubu’s INEC involve the controversial
emergence of certain political figures. The current Senate President, Senator
Godswill Akpabio’s bid for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District was
fraught with irregularities. After losing in the APC presidential primary,
Akpabio re-emerged as the senatorial candidate through a rerun primary
reportedly unmonitored by INEC. INEC’s initial rejection of his candidacy was
overturned amid judicial and political maneuverings, culminating in his
declared victory in the 2023 elections.
Similarly,
the former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan's re-entry into the Yobe North
Senatorial race mirrored such inconsistencies. Having failed in his
presidential ambition, Lawan’s substitution for Bashir Machina, who won the
primary, drew national outrage. Though INEC initially distanced itself from the
substitution, Lawan was eventually declared the winner amid accusations of
partisan favoritism and legal manipulation.
These
cases undermined INEC’s stated neutrality and exposed its vulnerability to
elite manipulation. These instances called into question INEC’s autonomy and its
susceptibility to political interference—an institution originally envisioned
to act as a democratic referee.
Controversial Appointments and
Signals Ahead of 2027
As
discussions about Yakubu's succession unfold, recent appointments within INEC
have raised alarms about the commission's future impartiality. President Bola
Tinubu's nomination and the Senate's confirmation of individuals with known
partisan affiliations as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have sparked
significant controversy. Notably:
Etekamba Umoren (Akwa Ibom State): A
known ally of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Umoren served as Chief of
Staff during Akpabio's governorship and later as Secretary to the State
Government. His deep political ties have raised concerns about his ability to
act impartially.
Bunmi Omoseyindemi (Lagos State):
Omoseyindemi has enjoyed political patronage from Tinubu and his associates
since 2001, holding positions such as Chairman of the Lagos State Traditional
Medicine Board and later as an electoral commissioner in the Lagos State
Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
Anugbum Onuoha (Rivers State):
Onuoha served as a Special Adviser on Lands and Surveys to then-Governor Nyesom
Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, further indicating
political affiliations that may compromise his neutrality.
These
appointments contravene Section 156(1)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution, which
prohibits the appointment of political party members as INEC officials, and
have led to legal challenges from civil society groups. The perception that
these appointments are strategic moves to influence the 2027 general elections
undermines public trust and suggests a premeditated plan to compromise
electoral integrity.
A Disturbing Signal: Acting Chairman
Before Time?
Recent
reports have added a troubling twist to this unfolding drama: the quiet
installation of a so-called acting chairman even before Yakubu’s formal exit.
This move, if true, is deeply problematic.
The
reported appointee once served as Resident Electoral Commissioner in Lagos
while President Bola Tinubu was state governor. Remarkably, he has remained in
the system long after his contemporaries were retired. The political links
between this acting chairman and the current administration are no secret.
Confirming such a person sends a dangerous signal—that the groundwork is being
laid for a rigged 2027 election.
If
INEC is perceived as a pawn in political chess, its credibility will continue
to nosedive. More importantly, Nigeria’s already fragile democratic process
will be further undermined.
Whereas
Jega’s INEC enjoyed widespread public trust, Yakubu’s era has been
characterized by skepticism and disillusionment. While both introduced crucial
reforms, Jega's consistent application of electoral rules bolstered INEC’s
image. In contrast, Yakubu’s legacy is tainted by implementation failures,
opaque decisions, and the perception of partisan compromise. Under Jega, INEC
gained public trust through transparency and reform. Under Yakubu, despite
technological upgrades, that trust has significantly eroded. Skepticism,
especially among young voters and civil society, runs high. Yakubu’s INEC will
likely be remembered not for its innovations, but for its inconsistencies and
susceptibility to political pressure.
The Way Forward: What Kind of
Successor Do We Need?
As
the curtain closes on Yakubu’s tenure, Nigeria must be deliberate in choosing
his successor. We need a chairman who embodies:
Uncompromising
integrity
Administrative
capacity
Courage
to resist political interference
Proven
neutrality and a reformist mindset
INEC
cannot afford to be led by political stooges or silent enablers. The process of
appointment itself must be open, merit-based, and independent of partisan
manipulation. Anything short of this will doom the commission—and by extension,
Nigeria’s democracy.
Conclusion: At the Electoral
Crossroads
INEC
is at a tipping point. The legacy of Jega reminds us of what is possible. The
reality under Yakubu warns us of what’s at stake. If we are to preserve the
integrity of future elections—especially 2027—we must act now to protect INEC
from capture.
Nigeria
needs an electoral umpire, not a political tool. Anything less, we risk
losing the last democratic guardrail left standing.
Ola Olateju writes from Achievers University, Owo.
www.politicalpanorama.com.ng
2 Comments
This Is one of the problem we are facing as a country, because it was believed that the president has all but decided his fate in the 2027 elections which is the reasons why upcoming youths like myself are no longer confident in the integrity of INEC. Until there is a change in who decides the chairman of INEC, Nigeria Elections will never be credible in the eyes o the citizens
ReplyDeleteYou’ve raised a valid and deeply felt concern shared by many Nigerians, especially the youth. The integrity of INEC is central to the health of our democracy, and the perception that the presidency controls who chairs the Commission undermines public trust—even before elections begin. From Professor Attahiru Jega to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, we've seen both commendable efforts and controversial moments. However, what remains clear is that as long as the appointment of the INEC Chairman rests solely with the President, questions about neutrality will persist.
DeleteTo restore confidence, especially among young voters, Nigeria needs an independent, transparent, and participatory process for selecting electoral leadership—possibly involving the judiciary, civil society, and National Assembly in a more open screening process. Only when institutions are insulated from executive influence can democracy thrive and citizens believe that their votes truly count.