The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has expressed strong opposition to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent call for the removal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The group described the call as both hypocritical and politically motivated, highlighting Obasanjo’s troubling legacy in Nigeria’s electoral history.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, the NDYC emphasized that Obasanjo’s tenure as president is widely associated with some of the worst electoral malpractices in the nation’s history. The organization pointed to the 2003 and 2007 elections, which were marred by widespread irregularities, manipulation, and international condemnation. Obasanjo’s infamous declaration that even Jesus Christ could not conduct credible elections in Nigeria, the NDYC noted, epitomized his disregard for democratic values.
The group also criticized Obasanjo’s broader governance record, referencing actions such as the military invasions of Odi and Zaki Biam, political intimidation, and his unconstitutional third-term agenda. These incidents, the NDYC argued, left a lasting negative impact on Nigeria’s democratic institutions and public trust.
“It is ironic for a man who oversaw and benefited from the most rigged elections in our history to now position himself as a guardian of electoral integrity,” the NDYC stated. They further accused Obasanjo of undermining every successive administration, using criticism as a tool to maintain relevance rather than offering constructive solutions.
The NDYC urged Nigerians to focus on strengthening institutions like INEC and building on the reforms introduced by Prof. Yakubu, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV). These innovations, the group stated, have made significant strides in restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
The NDYC concluded by calling for unity and collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s democratic challenges. It warned against being distracted by divisive rhetoric from individuals whose actions have historically undermined the nation’s democratic progress.