Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has demanded sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s electoral process, including the immediate removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, and a reshuffle of officials across the commission.
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum held at Yale University in the United States, Obasanjo criticized the conduct of the 2023 general elections, labeling it a “travesty.” He argued that significant changes are necessary to restore public confidence and ensure transparent democratic processes in Nigeria.
Obasanjo recommended shorter tenures for INEC officials and a stricter vetting process to prevent the appointment of individuals with political affiliations. He highlighted the importance of appointing non-partisan leaders with impeccable records, stating, “The INEC Chairperson and staff must be rigorously vetted to guarantee their neutrality and integrity.”
The former president called for the replacement of INEC officials at all administrative levels, from federal to local, suggesting that shorter terms could reduce political pressure and curb corruption. He emphasized that these reforms would be vital in rebuilding trust in the electoral system.
Obasanjo also criticized INEC’s handling of the 2023 presidential election, particularly its failure to utilize key technologies like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV). These tools had been touted by Mahmood Yakubu as essential for improving election transparency and accuracy.
“These innovations were presented as game-changers for the integrity of our elections,” Obasanjo noted. “Yet, INEC chose not to implement them, which led to widespread irregularities. It was akin to leaving the door wide open for electoral manipulation.”
Obasanjo’s call for an overhaul of INEC and its leadership reflects broader concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and the need for reforms to uphold democratic values.
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