BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has dismissed concerns that the ambassadorial nomination of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, could compromise the commission’s independence and impartiality.
In a statement, the group’s Convener, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, described the ongoing debate as “misguided and reckless,” insisting that INEC’s autonomy is protected by law, not the personal career decisions of its officials.
Shettima said INEC’s independence is anchored on strong legal and institutional frameworks that prevent undue interference. He added that suggestions that Yakubu’s post-service appointment could taint the commission’s neutrality were “unfounded.”
“The integrity of INEC does not hinge on the actions of one individual. It is secured by robust structural safeguards and the active engagement of all stakeholders,” the statement read.
The NSCI noted that INEC remains the most scrutinised public institution in Nigeria, with political parties, civil society organisations, and the media monitoring its activities. The group said this level of oversight ensures that no single individual, including the chairman, can compromise the commission’s credibility.
Highlighting reforms since 2010, the organisation said the electoral body has built a resilient system that continues to improve over time. It added that the 2023 general elections, described as historic for opposition parties, were a testament to the commission’s evolving strength and institutional capacity rather than the influence of any one official.
The group also defended Yakubu’s record in public service, noting that he served under four presidents—Umaru Musa Yar’adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu—without partisan controversy.
Shettima recalled Yakubu’s achievements as head of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) between 2007 and 2012, where he helped transform Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape. His tenure at INEC, he said, had similarly been marked by technological innovation and improved transparency.
The NSCI urged stakeholders to prioritise strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions rather than amplifying fears over individual appointments, stressing that democracy thrives on strong systems, not personalities.
“We call on political parties, civil society, and the media to reject narratives that undermine INEC and to recommit to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law,” the group said.
It reaffirmed support for Yakubu’s nomination and called for collective efforts to maintain the integrity of the country’s electoral framework.
