A coalition of civil society organisations has criticised former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his recent comments calling for the dismissal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu. The coalition, which includes The Transparency Network, Public Interest Initiative, and the Foundation for True Democratic Governance and Freedom, argues that Obasanjo’s controversial electoral history undermines his authority to comment on the issue.
The coalition’s spokesman, Dr Danladi Ceceko, condemned Obasanjo’s remarks, which were made during a lecture at Yale University’s Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum. Obasanjo described Nigeria’s 2023 general elections as a “travesty” and called for widespread reforms within INEC. However, Ceceko questioned Obasanjo’s credibility, recalling contentious elections conducted during his tenure, particularly in 2003 and 2007.
“It appears Obasanjo believes Nigerians have forgotten the elections he presided over, where candidates from his party were declared winners despite glaring irregularities. Even the individual he controversially installed as president in 2007 admitted that the election was deeply flawed,” Ceceko said.
The coalition accused Obasanjo of manipulating electoral outcomes to favour the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), particularly in the South-West, while failing to ensure a fair democratic process. They also highlighted his failed third-term agenda, the removal of Senate Presidents, and his alleged use of financial inducements to influence legislative decisions.
Labelled the “Father of do-or-die politics,” Obasanjo’s infamous assertion that “even Jesus Christ can’t conduct a free and fair election in Nigeria” was cited as evidence of his questionable approach to governance. The coalition further criticised his intolerance of opposition, citing incidents such as the impeachment of governors and the controversial arrests of political opponents.
Defending Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, Ceceko lauded the INEC chairman’s reforms, including the integration of technology in election management. “Under Mahmood’s leadership, INEC has introduced unprecedented reforms that have modernised the electoral process, making it more transparent and accessible,” he said.
The coalition also accused Obasanjo of attempting to divert attention from pressing issues, such as local government elections conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). They urged him to reflect on his legacy and seek forgiveness for overseeing some of the most problematic elections in Nigeria’s history.
“Obasanjo has no moral authority to lecture anyone on leadership and governance. Nigerians remember his legacy and will not be swayed by his antics,” Ceceko concluded.
As debates over Nigeria’s electoral system continue, the coalition’s strong words against Obasanjo underscore the polarising legacy of his presidency and the broader challenges of achieving electoral reform in the country.
