The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, has strongly opposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for the removal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, Obasanjo advocated for Yakubu’s dismissal—a move Ohanaeze describes as politically motivated, ill-timed, and lacking credibility.
The group highlighted Obasanjo’s controversial legacy regarding Nigeria’s electoral processes, particularly the 2003 and 2007 elections, which were widely criticized for rampant malpractice. Ohanaeze emphasized that Obasanjo’s tenure severely undermined the integrity of INEC, with his administration becoming synonymous with electoral corruption and manipulation.
Citing the reforms initiated by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who admitted the flawed nature of the 2007 elections, and expanded upon by Goodluck Jonathan, Ohanaeze called for continuity in electoral improvements. The organization asserted that calls for Professor Yakubu’s removal disregard the significant progress achieved under his leadership, including the introduction of BVAS and IREV, which have enhanced transparency and accountability in recent elections.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stressed the importance of completing Yakubu’s tenure, which ends in 2025, to maintain stability and ensure uninterrupted reforms. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to focus on strengthening INEC after Yakubu’s term rather than succumbing to politically charged distractions.
Ohanaeze reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s democratic progress, calling for constructive dialogue and collaboration among leaders and citizens to build a resilient and credible electoral system.