Professor Mahmood Yakubu: “A prophet without honor in his hometown”?

By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has faced criticism for his handling of elections in Nigeria. However, his influence within ECONEC and international community has been significant, particularly in promoting cooperation and best practices among West African electoral commissions.
To some, Professor Yakubu’s leadership of INEC was alleged to have been marred by controversy, particularly surrounding the 2019 Nigerian general elections. Some critics argue that INEC’s handling of the elections was marred by inefficiencies, technical issues, and allegations of bias.

To others, they accused him basically on the Politicization of INEC, alleging that Professor Yakubu was too close to the Nigerian government, which has raised concerns about INEC’s independence and impartiality.

His Influence within ECONEC

a. Promoting Cooperation

Despite criticisms at home, Professor Yakubu has played a key role in promoting cooperation among West African electoral commissions through ECONEC. He has emphasized the need for sharing best practices, expertise, and resources to improve the electoral process in the region .

b. Reducing Election Costs
Under Professor Yakubu’s leadership, ECONEC has launched initiatives to reduce the cost of elections in West Africa. This includes a study on the cost of elections in the ECOWAS region and exploring ways to make the electoral process more cost-effective.

c. Strengthening Regional Partnerships
Professor Yakubu has also strengthened partnerships between ECONEC and other regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to promote electoral cooperation and assistance in the region.

The phrase “a prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown” (Matthew 13:57) suggests that someone may be widely respected and admired outside of their own community, but not necessarily within it. Applying the analogy in the case of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, it’s possible to argue that he has faced criticism and skepticism at home in Nigeria, particularly regarding his leadership of INEC. However, his influence and reputation within the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) and among international observers may be more positive.

While, it’s essential to some to agree that this analogy is not a perfect fit, others may argue Professor Yakubu’s situation is more complex, and his challenges at home may be specific to the Nigerian context. Nevertheless, the analogy provides a useful framework for understanding the contrast between his local and international reputation.

The issue of INEC’s independence from the law-making body is complex and multifaceted. While Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman, has faced criticism for the commission’s perceived lack of independence, it’s essential to consider the following factors :

-Legal Framework: The Electoral Act of 2022 governs INEC’s operations, and the commission’s independence is enshrined in the Constitution. However, the law-making body’s influence on INEC’s decisions and actions can be significant.

-Institutional Dynamics: INEC’s relationship with the National Assembly, as the law-making body, can impact its independence. The commission’s ability to assert its autonomy and make decisions without undue influence is crucial.

-Leadership and Management: As the chairman of INEC, Professor Yakubu’s leadership style and decisions can shape the commission’s independence. However, it’s unclear whether he has the power to completely insulate INEC from external pressures.

Some critics argue that INEC’s independence is compromised due to
-Perceived Government Influence: Allegations of the presidency’s influence on INEC’s decisions have raised concerns about the commission’s autonomy.

-Lack of Assertiveness: INEC’s reluctance to assert its independence and challenge the law-making body’s decisions can contribute to the perception of compromised autonomy.

Ultimately, ensuring INEC’s independence requires a delicate balance between the commission’s autonomy and its relationship with the law-making body.

Asserting independence without a robust legal framework can be challenging for Mahmood and INEC
. But here are some potential strategies:- Strengthening Institutional Capacity: INEC can focus on building its internal capacity, including training personnel, improving electoral processes, and enhancing transparency and accountability measures. This can help establish credibility and demonstrate its commitment to independence .

Judicial Activism: INEC can seek judicial intervention to clarify its powers and responsibilities, particularly in cases where its independence is compromised. This can help establish precedents and provide guidance on the commission’s role in the electoral process .

– Collaboration with Civil Society: INEC can engage with civil society organizations, international partners, and other stakeholders to build support for its independence. This can help create pressure on the government to respect INEC’s autonomy.

–Proactive Communication: INEC can maintain transparency by clearly communicating its decisions, actions, and challenges to the public. This can help build trust and demonstrate its commitment to independence.- Advocating for Legal Reforms: INEC can advocate for amendments to the Electoral Act or the Constitution to strengthen its independence and provide a clearer framework for its operations .

Key Areas for Reform

– Clearer Definition of Powers: Clearly defining INEC’s powers and responsibilities can help prevent encroachment by other branches of government.- Financial Autonomy: Granting INEC financial autonomy can help ensure its independence and ability to carry out its mandate effectively.

-Insulation from Political Interference*: Implementing measures to protect INEC from political interference can help ensure its independence and impartiality.

By adopting these strategies, INEC can assert its independence and promote credible elections, even in the absence of a perfect legal framework.

As a journalist covering the commission, I can attest to the fact Professor Mahmood had gone through all the above strategies by presenting Certify True Copy of his service before the stakeholders by engagement. He always interface with the media, civil society, the security agencies and others, yet the issues of the Independent of the commission is far from over.

Asserting independence without a robust legal framework will continue to remain a challenge for Mahmood, INEC and future Chairman of the Commission.