In a speech at Yale University’s Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, former President Olusegun Obasanjo sharply criticized Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its leadership. Citing failures in the 2023 general election, he urged for significant reforms within the country’s electoral process.
Obasanjo specifically called for the removal of INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and a restructuring of the commission’s leadership at all levels to ensure fairer and more transparent elections. His remarks emphasized the need for the appointment of non-partisan officials, arguing that shorter tenures and rigorous vetting processes are critical to rebuilding trust in the nation’s democratic systems.
“The 2023 general election was not a testament to democratic ideals, but a stark reminder of how easily public trust can be undermined when credibility is absent,” Obasanjo said.
He also highlighted INEC’s failure to fully utilize the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV). According to Obasanjo, this oversight significantly contributed to irregularities during the election, undermining public confidence in the democratic process.
“These innovations were meant to strengthen our democracy,” Obasanjo noted. “Instead, their potential was squandered, leaving our electoral system in disarray.”
Obasanjo’s call for a sweeping review of the electoral commission underscores his belief that Nigeria’s democratic institutions must be fortified against political influence, corruption, and incompetence.
