Obasanjo Calls for Overhaul of INEC Leadership, Labels 2023 Elections a “Travesty”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advocated for the dismissal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), along with other commission officials, as part of an urgent reform of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, Obasanjo presented a paper titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” where he critiqued the state of governance and electoral integrity in the country.
Electoral Failures and Reforms
Describing the 2023 general elections as a “travesty,” Obasanjo emphasized the need for electoral reforms to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes. He argued for shorter tenures for INEC officials and rigorous vetting to ensure the appointment of non-partisan individuals with impeccable reputations.
“The INEC Chairperson must not only be absolutely above board but must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” Obasanjo stated.
He criticized the alleged deliberate failure of INEC to effectively deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV), innovations that had been introduced to ensure transparency.
“These technologies did not fail; INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them, resulting in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the henhouse,” he added.
Obasanjo further called for a revamp of INEC leadership at all levels—federal, state, local government, and municipal—to minimize political interference and corruption.
INEC Under Scrutiny
INEC has been under intense criticism since the 2023 elections, particularly over the malfunctioning of the IReV platform during the presidential polls. The platform’s failure became a focal point in post-election litigation, though both the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and the Supreme Court upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu.
The commission has also faced backlash over allegations of partisanship in the appointment of Resident Electoral Commissioners.
Mixed Record on Obasanjo’s Leadership
While Obasanjo’s call for reform has gained traction, his critics point to the controversial elections held under his presidency, particularly in 2003 and 2007, which were widely condemned as deeply flawed. The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who succeeded Obasanjo, acknowledged the shortcomings of the 2007 elections and initiated electoral reforms before his death.
Key Figures Attend Achebe Forum
The Achebe Leadership Forum, an annual event honoring the legacy of the late literary icon Chinua Achebe, brought together several prominent Nigerians, including Labour Party leader Peter Obi, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and former Minister Oby Ezekwesili.
Peter Obi, a staunch critic of INEC’s performance in the 2023 elections, participated in panel discussions on leadership and the future of democracy in Africa.
Africa’s Leadership Challenge
Cajetan Iheka, head of the Yale Africa Initiative, underscored the continued relevance of Achebe’s reflections on leadership in Africa. He urged intellectuals and political leaders to move beyond analysis and provide actionable solutions to the continent’s challenges.
The event provided a platform for robust discussions on governance, democracy, and the need for transformative leadership in Africa.
