Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemns call for INEC Chairman’s removal

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s calls for the removal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Obasanjo made the statement during his speech at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University.

In a statement by the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group described Obasanjo’s call as “politically motivated,” lacking merit and ethical grounding.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo noted that it is premature and ill-timed to call for Yakubu’s removal, especially since his tenure is set to end in 2025.

Instead, the organisation advocates for stability and completion of ongoing reforms, suggesting that discussions about INEC’s future leadership and structure should commence after Yakubu’s term expires.

The organization commended INEC’s advancements under Yakubu’s leadership, including the implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) during off-cycle elections, saying these developments have restored public confidence in the electoral process.

It reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting continuous electoral reforms in Nigeria.

He urged patriotic leaders and citizens to demand reforms that transcend partisan politics and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

He said: “We advocate for a period of stability and completion of ongoing reforms, suggesting that discussions around the future leadership and structure of INEC should commence only after Yakubu’s term has expired.

“Our organisation’s position on this matter is clear: Nigeria’s electoral reforms should be approached with a spirit of collaboration and foresight, particularly as we look toward the end of Professor Yakubu’s tenure.

“We expect that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will take decisive and judicious steps toward transforming INEC, with the robust support of the National Assembly, thereby fortifying the electoral landscape in Nigeria for all citizens.”