The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), a prominent organization representing Yoruba youths across the nation, has expressed strong opposition to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent call for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other key officials of the commission.
Speaking in response to Obasanjo’s remarks at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, where he criticized INEC’s handling of the 2023 elections, the YYC described the call for dismissals as unwarranted and counterproductive.
“While we respect Baba Obasanjo’s opinions, we believe that his call for the removal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is unnecessary. Under Prof. Yakubu’s leadership, INEC has implemented significant reforms to address past electoral challenges and enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy,” said Comrade Eric Oluwole, President of the Yoruba Youth Council.
The Council acknowledged that while Nigeria’s electoral system is not perfect, progress has been made, including measures to reduce electoral violence and the introduction of peace accords among political parties and candidates. The YYC noted that these steps have laid a foundation for a more credible electoral process and should be supported rather than undermined.
“Baba Obasanjo himself acknowledged in 2010 the challenges of conducting flawless elections in Nigeria. It is puzzling that he now demands perfection, ignoring the incremental improvements being made. Electoral reforms take time, and Prof. Yakubu’s efforts should be commended, not dismissed,” the YYC added.
The organization also questioned Obasanjo’s stance, emphasizing that dismissing the INEC Chairman and his team would disrupt ongoing reforms and harm the progress being made in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Removing Prof. Yakubu at this critical juncture would derail efforts to strengthen our electoral system. The focus should be on supporting institutional reforms rather than engaging in unnecessary distractions,” said the YYC.
The Yoruba Youth Council concluded by reaffirming its confidence in Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s leadership and urging Nigerians to rally behind efforts to build a transparent and credible electoral system.
“Prof. Yakubu has demonstrated unwavering commitment to democratic values. Rather than removing dedicated individuals, we must collectively work to eliminate corruption and foster progress in our electoral process,” the YYC stated.