Coalition Slams Obasanjo Over Calls for INEC Chair’s Removal
A coalition of civil society organizations has issued a scathing rebuke of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for his recent demand for the removal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obasanjo’s criticism of the electoral body, delivered during a lecture at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, has drawn sharp responses from groups accusing him of hypocrisy.
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The coalition, comprising The Transparency Network, Public Interest Initiative, Nigerian Justice League Initiative, and Foundation for True Democratic Governance and Freedom, labeled Obasanjo’s remarks as ironic given his own contentious record on electoral integrity.
No Moral Authority to Criticize
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Dr. Danladi Ceceko stated:
“Our attention has been drawn to a statement made by former President Obasanjo, where he called for the dismissal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and other INEC officials. This is coming from a man who presided over some of Nigeria’s worst elections. He has no moral authority to criticize Prof. Yakubu or advocate for reforms.”
Ceceko highlighted the 2003 and 2007 general elections under Obasanjo’s administration, widely regarded as among the most fraudulent in Nigeria’s history.
“Should we remind the former president that the individual he controversially and fraudulently elevated to power in 2007 admitted during his inauguration that the election was marred by corruption and irregularities? Can any indictment be more significant than this?” he asked.
Father of Do-or-Die Politics
The coalition referred to Obasanjo as the "Father of do-or-die politics," citing his infamous claim that "even Jesus Christ can't conduct a free and fair election in Nigeria."
They described his tenure as a period of systemic state capture and electoral manipulation.
“Obasanjo’s role in the impeachment of governors, the arrest of political opponents, and his failed third-term agenda are just a few examples of his undemocratic tendencies,” Ceceko said.
Allegations of Political Intimidation and Corruption
The coalition also accused Obasanjo of turning the Senate into a "laughing stock" by engineering the removal of several Senate Presidents from the Southeast and influencing legislative decisions through questionable financial practices.
They noted his inability to investigate high-profile assassinations, including those of Marshall Harry, Funso Williams, and Bola Ige, during his administration.
“Obasanjo institutionalized corruption,” Ceceko added.
“From announcing election results while voting was still ongoing to amassing wealth for his presidential library, his administration laid the flawed foundation Nigeria grapples with today.”
Calls for Accountability
The group condemned Obasanjo’s alleged efforts to undermine President Tinubu’s administration, accusing him of aligning with retired military leaders to pursue unconstitutional actions during the 2023 elections.
“Nigerians are well aware of Obasanjo's history and will not be swayed by his antics,” the coalition stated. “The current state of Nigeria is a direct result of the flawed governance he institutionalized.”
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