We view President Muhammadu Buhari’s, re-appointment of Prof Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in accordance with the provision of Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as a welcome development.
The INEC Chairman had built on the lofty attainments of his predecessors to produce a more transparent, and trust worthy independent electoral commission.
With good programmes, realistic goals and steadfast commitment, INEC has improved under his tutelage. More than ever before, electorate are more confident that their votes do count. So, putting sentiments aside, this epochal re-appointment, as the first Chairman to bag a second term, suggests that the President is unwilling to change the winning horse on the flimsy excuse of tradition.
The various interventions and peace broking moves of INEC between warring political parties have contributed in no small measure to the waning of political violence across the length and breadth of the country. While, not jeopardizing the lives of INEC personnel, Professor Mahmood Yakubu had implemented the rules and made provisions for ‘inconclusive elections’. The Hope observes that while criticisms had accompanied this lawful action, it had in actual fact protected candidates’ and electorate’ votes, and given them more confidence in the electoral system. Under him too, INEC officials have not been shielded from justice against their immoral acts. Hence, culpable INEC officials have been relieved of their duties and made to face the wrath of the law. In Professor Mahmood Yakubu, The Hope sees a man dedicated to the transparency and credibility of the electoral process in Nigeria.
This appointment, we believe, would afford the INEC Chairman the needed time and dedication to turn the vision of electronic voting, and online transmission of results into reality. The achievements of these visions would in no small way ease the voting related stress, and also reduce voting apathy, as many would be able to partake in the voting processes. Also, with online transmission of vote results, the probability of manipulation by vote riggers would also be drastically reduced. To us, this re-appointment portrays the affinity of the President to these ideas, and hence the opportunity given, to bring it into fruition. It is our candid opinion that the Professor, would not seek to betray this hope and trust.
We also expect that the first tenure in office would have availed the Chairman the opportunity of firsthand information on the strengths and weaknesses of the electoral body. This re-appointment therefore enables him to initiate and execute the necessary reforms that would give global credence to the nation’s electoral processes. It would therefore not be out of place for the Chairman to initiate discussions on the grey and omitted areas of the Electoral Act in order to make necessary changes long before the 2023 elections. Furthermore, the improvement of the processes of voter registration, capturing, distribution and collection of voters’ card should be of priority to INEC during his second term in office.
However, while the reappointment is laudable, it is also imperative for the President to appoint impeccable hands as INEC Commissioners who would assist the Chairman in achieving his goals. A lone tree does not make a forest, and a leader is as strong as the strength of his lieutenants. Therefore THE HOPE insists that forthright, non-partisan, non tribal and patriotic men and women should also be nominated by the President to assist Professor Mahmood Yakubu in his quest for a credible INEC. Aside this, the Federal Government should ensure the independence of the electoral body by making available the budgeted resources for the smooth running of the agency as at when due. Every action and or inaction on the part of government to truncate the activities of INEC should also be avoided, in order to attain the visions of the reappointed INEC Chairman.
Finally, THE HOPE wishes Professor Mahmood Yakubu, a successful tenure as he seeks to write a better history of the independent history of the electoral body. We sincerely hope that he would live to the high expectations and not repose in his seat of responsibility.