Itodo Says Yakubu Leaves Behind a Politically Weakened INEC

Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, says outgoing INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu departs after a decade marked by both innovation and institutional fragility. Speaking on Channels Television, Itodo said Yakubu’s tenure introduced major electoral reforms, including technology-driven processes like BVAS and IReV, which improved transparency and voter accreditation.

However, he argued that political interference and partisan appointments eroded the Commission’s independence, leaving it vulnerable to external influence. He cited the removal of Resident Electoral Commissioners as evidence of political pressure undermining INEC’s credibility.

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While acknowledging Yakubu’s contributions to inclusion and electoral modernisation, Itodo noted that persistent interference has weakened public trust in Nigeria’s elections. He urged stronger safeguards to protect the Commission’s autonomy and ensure that future reforms achieve their intended impact.