Coalition Fires Back at Obasanjo: “No Moral Authority to Criticize INEC or Call for Yakubu’s Removal
A coalition of civil society organizations, including The Transparency Network, Public Interest Initiative, Nigerian Justice League Initiative, and the Foundation for True Democratic Governance and Freedom, has strongly rebuked former President Olusegun Obasanjo for calling for the dismissal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other INEC officials.
The group, led by spokesman Dr. Danladi Ceceko, contends that Obasanjo lacks the moral authority to criticize Yakubu, given his own controversial record overseeing some of Nigeria’s most disputed elections.
The coalition’s condemnation follows Obasanjo’s recent remarks at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, where he urged the removal of Yakubu and other INEC officials as part of broader electoral reforms. “It seems Obasanjo has forgotten the controversial elections of 2007 and 2023, where candidates from his party were declared winners amid widespread allegations of irregularities and fraud,” Ceceko stated. “Should we remind him that the very person he controversially elevated to power in 2007 admitted the election was marred by corruption and malpractices?”
The coalition also questioned Obasanjo’s credibility, stating, “Can any indictment be more significant than this?”
Describing Obasanjo as the “ultimate state captor,” the group criticized his role in the 2003 and 2007 elections, both of which were marred by allegations of manipulation and misconduct under his watch. They also pointed to his infamous “do-or-die politics” remark and his assertion that “even Jesus Christ couldn’t conduct a free and fair election in Nigeria,” calling attention to the hypocrisy of his current criticisms of Yakubu and INEC.
The coalition also recalled Obasanjo’s history of undermining successive leaders, such as Shehu Shagari, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan, and his public rejection of the political party that brought him to power in 1999. They further pointed out his controversial actions, such as trying to bribe lawmakers for a third term, seeking the impeachment of governors with minimal legislative support, and attempting to arrest Anambra State Governor Chris Ngige.
“Obasanjo’s record speaks for itself. He is the same individual who oversaw widespread manipulation of elections in favor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the southwest—except in Lagos, where Bola Tinubu’s political strength made it difficult to control,” the coalition noted. “His presidency made a mockery of the Nigerian Senate, removing Senate Presidents from the southeast and using questionable financial practices to manipulate legislative processes.”
The group emphasized that Nigerians are well aware of Obasanjo’s history and will not be influenced by his latest criticisms. “The current state of Nigeria is a direct result of the flawed foundation Obasanjo laid during his time in office,” they stated.
The coalition also condemned Obasanjo’s role in institutionalizing corruption, citing his controversial announcement of election results while votes were still being cast and his efforts to amass wealth for his presidential library. They criticized his alignment with retired military leaders and his involvement in unconstitutional activities during the 2023 general elections.
In contrast, the coalition praised INEC under Prof. Yakubu’s leadership for its strides in electoral reforms, particularly the integration of technology into the election process. “Yakubu’s efforts to modernize Nigeria’s elections, including the introduction of user-friendly portals for candidate nominations and media accreditation, are commendable,” Ceceko noted.
While Obasanjo described the 2023 general elections as a “travesty” and called for urgent electoral reforms, the coalition pointed out that vetting INEC commissioners and staff is the responsibility of those in power. They criticized Obasanjo for failing to address the issue during his own presidency and for now shifting blame onto Yakubu, who has no influence over the appointment of INEC officials.
The group concluded that Obasanjo, with his tainted legacy, has no moral standing to lecture Nigerians on leadership and governance. “It is time for him to reflect on his own actions, seek redemption, and stop mobilizing against INEC,” Ceceko stated, urging the former president to focus on more pressing matters, such as supporting local government elections currently underway.
