The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has alleged that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, worked for his political opposition during the 2023 general election.
Obi made the allegation during an exclusive interview with ARISE News, where he reflected on the conduct of the 2023 election and the confidence Nigerians placed in the electoral commission ahead of the poll.
The NDC candidate said Nigerians had taken the electoral process for granted by relying on assurances from INEC that the election would be conducted fairly and transparently.
According to Obi, Yakubu had given assurances to Nigerians and the international community that the commission would deliver a credible election. He, however, alleged that the INEC chairman was working in favour of his political opponents.
“In 2023, we took things for granted. We believed INEC. We believed what they said they would do,” Obi said.
He added that the INEC chairman had convinced Nigerians and the international community that the commission would conduct the election properly, but alleged that events turned out differently.
“The INEC Chairman convinced the world that he would do the right thing, when, in fact, he was working for the opposition,” he said.
Obi said the experience had changed his approach to the electoral process ahead of future elections. He maintained that rather than relying solely on assurances from electoral authorities, those seeking credible elections would have to take greater responsibility for ensuring that the process works as expected.
“This time, we will only trust them by doing the right thing ourselves,” Obi said.
The NDC candidate did not, in the remarks provided, state the specific evidence supporting his allegation against the INEC chairman.
His comments come as political actors continue to debate the conduct and credibility of the 2023 general election, with questions surrounding the electoral process remaining a significant issue ahead of subsequent polls.
