Two prominent Northern organizations, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN), have rejected calls for the removal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a joint statement on Thursday, the groups described the calls as baseless and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Yerima Shettima, President-General of AYCF, labeled the demands for Yakubu’s ouster as “misguided” and driven by political opportunism. He praised the INEC Chairman for ensuring fairness, transparency, and integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Shettima stated, “The recent elections under Professor Yakubu’s leadership have been widely regarded as transparent and credible, reflecting the will of the people. These calls for his removal are coming from self-interested politicians who prioritize personal ambitions over the nation’s democratic values.” He added that INEC’s actions had garnered trust from both Nigerians and international observers.
Salihu Suleiman, Chairman of NAN, echoed these sentiments, urging President Bola Tinubu and Yakubu to remain committed to democratic principles and reject attempts to politicize the electoral body. Suleiman stated, “The attacks on Professor Yakubu are not merely personal affronts; they are attacks on the foundation of our democracy. Undermining INEC’s credibility is tantamount to destabilizing the electoral process.”
Both groups called on Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and to focus on fostering unity. They emphasized that INEC’s role in ensuring free and fair elections requires collective support from all stakeholders.
The organizations further warned that attempts to discredit INEC’s leadership could erode public trust in the democratic process and harm the nation’s progress.
The AYCF and NAN reaffirmed their unwavering support for Yakubu and INEC, urging all political actors to uphold democratic institutions and work towards national unity. They stressed the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration in navigating Nigeria’s political challenges.
