Former INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu
By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman has been marked by significant achievements that set him apart from his predecessors. Here are some key differences:
– Technological Innovation: Unlike previous chairmen, Yakubu has leveraged technology to enhance electoral efficiency, transparency, and accountability. He introduced automation initiatives, the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, and biometric verification to improve the electoral process.
– Electoral Reforms: Yakubu has spearheaded reforms aimed at enhancing the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process. His efforts have fostered trust among citizens and stakeholders.
– Civic Engagement: He has prioritized voter education and awareness, ensuring citizens are informed about the electoral process and their rights. This approach has increased citizen participation and engagement.
– Strategic Leadership: Yakubu’s leadership style has been distinct from his predecessors. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting democratic governance, earning him recognition and awards.
– International Recognition: Unlike some previous chairmen, Yakubu has received international recognition for his contributions to democratic development. He received an award from Liberia’s National Elections Commission for his work.
Some notable predecessors include:
– Maurice Iwu: Criticized for compromising electoral integrity, Iwu’s tenure was marked by controversy and allegations of bias.
– *Attahiru Jega*: Known for his efforts to reform the electoral process, Jega’s tenure saw significant improvements in electoral transparency and credibility.
Overall, Yakubu’s commitment to technological innovation, electoral reforms, and civic engagement has set him apart from his predecessors.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the current and the Outgoing INEC chairman, has shown some edges over past chairmen in the following areas
– Competence and Integrity: According to Senator Ned Nwoko, Yakubu has demonstrated competence and integrity, earning him confirmation for a second term as INEC chairman, with credibility recognized across party lines.
– Electoral Reforms: Yakubu engaged with the National Assembly on key electoral reforms, including constitutional and Electoral Act amendments, to improve the electoral process. INEC has identified 142 reform recommendations, with eight requiring constitutional or Electoral Act amendments.
– Transparency and Accountability: Although his tenure hasn’t been without controversy, Yakubu has shown willingness to review and adapt electoral processes. For instance, he’s pushing for a comprehensive review of announced election outcomes to address discrepancies and mistrust.
– Proactive Approach: Recently, he tasked Resident Electoral Commissioners to ensure credible and efficient electoral processes ahead of key elections, demonstrating a proactive approach to his role.
However, some critics argue that Yakubu’s tenure has been marred by controversy, particularly surrounding the 2023 general elections, which were criticized for rigging and violence. Despite this, he has maintained that the elections recorded many positive outcomes .
Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s achievements as INEC Chairman include:
– Electoral Reforms: He spearheaded reforms enhancing transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process, introducing new voter registration and accreditation systems.
– Increased Citizen Participation: Yakubu fostered increased citizen engagement and participation in the electoral process, strengthening institutional collaboration with stakeholders and international partners.
– Electoral Security: He implemented measures to improve electoral security, reducing violence and enhancing the credibility of elections.
– International Recognition: Yakubu received an award from Liberia’s National Elections Commission for his contributions to democratic development in Liberia.
– Innovative Programs: He introduced innovative programs, such as biometric verification and new voting technologies, to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
– Strategic Leadership: Yakubu demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting democratic governance, earning him confirmation for a second term as INEC Chairman.
These achievements showcase Yakubu’s commitment to democratic governance, electoral integrity, and institutional reform, contributing to his confirmation for a second term.
These and many more led Senate to have Confirmed Yakubu as INEC Chairman for second term as opposition PDP Senators Back Nominee in March, 2021
The Senate confirmed the appointment of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second and final term of five (5) years.
Yakubu who was confirmed after the consideration of a report by the Committee on INEC during plenary received the support of Senators belonging to the Minority Peoples Democratic Party.
Chairman of the INEC Committee, Senator Kabiru Gaya (APC – Kano South), in his presentation then, said that the Committee was not in receipt of any petition or incriminating reports against the nominee.
According to him, the nominee possessed the requisite educational qualification for the position of Chairman; and is a person of integrity who is not affiliated to any political party.
Speaking on the character of the nominee, the then Senator Sandy Onor (PDP – Cross River North) said, “today, as a Senate, we are recognizing the fact that there is a square peg in a square hole.
“This Professor sitting in INEC has demonstrated competence and has shown indeed, that he is an unbiased umpire.
“Today, politicians don’t go into elections scared of whether they’ll be oppressed or not. That is the reality.
“If you’re with your people and doing the needful, you can trust that you will go to the field and win your elections. That is the kind of situation we have always asked for.
“I do believe that going by his performance in the first term, that he would do even better in his second term,” the lawmaker said.
Also, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP – Delta North), on his part said, “Mr. President, two days ago, I read in the papers that PDP Senators were opposed to the nomination of the nominee, and that today was going to be hot.
“But I’m very happy that majority of the people who have spoken on the floor today are PDP Senators supporting this nomination.
“That is to show that the belief or what people thought was going to happen, did not happen. We have disappointed those who thought we are going to oppose this nomination.”
“Many of us have tried to see if we can link him to any political party, or any political association, and we have not found anything to the contrary. That shows that he is an unbiased umpire that is good and qualified,” he added.
Another PDP lawmaker then, Gabriel Suswam representing Benue North East, described the nominee as a person of sound character and integrity.
“Like other colleagues have said, the nominee has shown competence; he has shown integrity and an unbiased nature, because in the past, most INEC Chairmen have had to go through criticisms, especially from opposing parties.
“There is no person in the opposing party (PDP), who will oppose the nomination and confirmation of this man today, because he has shown credibility in the process,” he said.
