Nigerians Demand Yakubu's Resignation Today: How Yakubu And INEC Failed the Nation

 

The recent controversy surrounding Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has sparked intense debate about the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. Many Nigerians are calling for Yakubu's resignation, citing allegations of sabotage in the Edo State Governorship election and his perceived incompetence in addressing the commission's repeated lapses .

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The controversy surrounding Yakubu's leadership has sparked intense debate about the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. Some have criticized INEC for its handling of elections, citing issues such as voter registration irregularities and inadequate election security .

Allegations Against Yakubu's Leadership:

- Sabotage of the Edo State Governorship Election: Documents have emerged suggesting INEC's involvement in manipulating the election outcome.

- Incompetence and Lack of Accountability: Yakubu has been accused of consistently making excuses for INEC's lapses, rather than taking responsibility and implementing reforms.

- Partisan Politics: Some have alleged that INEC, under Yakubu's leadership, has become politicized, favoring certain parties over others.

Nigeria's electoral journey began with the country's independence in 1960, with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe becoming the first President in 1963 . However, the country's electoral landscape has been marred by challenges, including operational, technological, and institutional issues . To address these concerns, Nigeria has implemented various reforms since the transition to democracy in 1999.

Key Reforms

Several significant reforms have shaped Nigeria's electoral process:

- The 2002 Electoral Act: Introduced under President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, this act governed the 2003 and 2007 general elections .

- The 2010 Electoral Act: Enacted during President Goodluck Jonathan's tenure, this act was used for the 2011, 2015, and 2019 national elections .

- The 2022 Electoral Act: This act aimed to address shortcomings in previous electoral laws and introduced innovations like the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

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Innovations and Challenges

Recent innovations have helped reduce electoral impunity and improved the voting process:

- Smart Card Readers: Introduced in 2015, these devices have enhanced voter accreditation .

- Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS): Implemented in 2022, BVAS has helped curb multiple voting and electoral fraud .

Despite these advancements, Nigeria's electoral process still faces significant challenges, including:

- Electoral violence

- Voter apathy

- Inadequate voter education

The Way Forward

To strengthen Nigeria's electoral process, the following measures are essential:

- Electronic voting (e-Voting): This would reduce electoral officials' direct interaction with ballots and minimize voter fraud .

- Independent candidacy: Allowing independent candidates to contest elections would increase political participation .

- Diaspora voting: Granting Nigerians abroad the right to vote would broaden the voting space .

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As Nigeria continues to navigate its electoral journey, it is crucial to address the ongoing concerns surrounding INEC's leadership and the electoral process. By implementing comprehensive reforms and embracing technological innovations, Nigeria can ensure free, fair, and credible elections, ultimately strengthening its democratic institutions.