[BREAKING] Obasanjo: President or Council of State Will Decide on INEC Chairman’s Tenure When the Time is Right – Ikpeazu

Amid a surge in calls for the removal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State, has clarified that the authority to make such a decision resides solely with President Bola Tinubu and the National Council of State (NCS)......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>

Ikpeazu’s remarks come in response to a growing movement, led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other prominent voices, expressing dissatisfaction with INEC’s role in recent elections in Edo and Ondo States. These elections, criticized by some observers and political leaders, have raised concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the electoral process under Yakubu’s leadership.

The calls for Yakubu’s removal were heightened after Obasanjo addressed the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, where he delivered a speech titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria.” In his address, Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need for reforms within Nigeria’s electoral commission and suggested that restructuring the INEC leadership is essential to restore public confidence. His message resonated with several Nigerians who share similar concerns about election irregularities and the need for an electoral body that is free from any influence that could compromise its independence.

In response, Ikpeazu highlighted the legal boundaries that govern the tenure of the INEC Chairman, underscoring that the removal of Yakubu cannot be executed based on public pressure or unilateral decisions. “The process to remove the INEC Chairman is constitutionally defined and rests solely within the powers of President Tinubu and the National Council of State. This decision is not one that can be made arbitrarily,” Ikpeazu stated firmly. He made these remarks during the public presentation of a book in Abuja, where he spoke on the importance of upholding the rule of law in governance.

The event featured the launch of Contemporary Legal Cooperation: China and Africa – A Comparative Survey of Legal Systems, authored by Nigerian journalist John Chucks Azu. The book, which explores legal systems in China and Africa, provided a backdrop for discussions on judicial cooperation and reforms. The event also included a panel discussion titled “New Horizons in Rule of Law, Judicial Efficiency, and Dispute Resolution: Lessons from China and Nigeria.” Panelists explored how judicial processes and legal frameworks in both countries could inspire improvements in Nigeria’s governance structures. Ikpeazu highlighted that Nigeria’s legal institutions must be grounded in consistency, with mechanisms that protect the independence of bodies like INEC, to ensure credibility in the eyes of the public.

Ikpeazu, who recently contested a senatorial seat but was defeated by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has previously expressed concerns regarding INEC’s role in election oversight. Reflecting on his personal experiences and the outcomes of recent elections, he called for the electoral commission to adopt greater transparency and impartiality. “Though my party did not win in Ondo, it is critical for INEC to ensure its operations are transparent and beyond reproach. When the electoral process lacks transparency, people lose faith, and this undermines democracy itself,” he remarked.

Expanding on the topic, Ikpeazu pointed out that the role of an electoral commission extends beyond organizing elections—it must actively build and maintain public trust. According to him, openness in the electoral process is essential to reassure citizens that the commission operates with integrity. “If people feel excluded from the process or suspect that it is biased, it creates an environment of distrust. INEC should strive to be an institution that welcomes scrutiny and continuously works to improve the transparency of its operations,” he added.

When asked specifically about the calls for Yakubu’s removal, Ikpeazu clarified that he respects the concerns raised by Nigerians but emphasized that decisions about the leadership of INEC are not his to make. “Determining whether the INEC Chairman should remain or be removed is a responsibility vested in the President and the Council of State. It’s a matter that they must carefully consider, weighing the broader implications for the country. When the time is right, I am confident they will make the decision that best serves Nigeria,” he concluded.

Ikpeazu’s remarks reflect a commitment to upholding constitutional processes, even amid widespread demands for change. His response underscores a belief in the importance of strong, impartial institutions that can withstand public scrutiny and act as pillars of democracy. His statements also indicate a call for INEC to engage more openly with the public, fostering an environment where election outcomes are accepted as legitimate reflections of the voters’ will.

As Nigeria looks toward future elections, the discourse around the independence and integrity of its electoral body continues to be a pressing issue. Figures like Ikpeazu advocate for a balanced approach that combines respect for legal frameworks with a proactive commitment to reform. His response to Obasanjo’s critique suggests that while there is room for improvement within INEC, any changes must be pursued through established legal channels, with decisions grounded in Nigeria’s democratic principles.