The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed his concern about the “win-at-all-costs” mentality of Nigerian politicians, which he finds challenging for the commission’s work.
During the swearing-in ceremony of nine newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), Prof. Yakubu lamented that the commission is often blamed unfairly by sore losers who resort to “demonizing” officials and attempting to “delegitimize the processes.”
He advised the newly sworn-in RECs not to engage in unproductive debates that detract from their core duties while emphasizing the importance of being receptive to constructive criticism. He urged them to uphold INEC’s tradition of regular consultations with critical stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, the media, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and security agencies.
Prof. Yakubu warned that the commission would not tolerate any acts of defiance, indiscretion, or transgression by any REC. He noted that the new RECs were joining the commission at a crucial moment, with court-ordered re-run elections on the horizon.
He announced the impending release of a combined timetable and schedule of activities for the re-run elections and bye-elections in constituencies with vacant legislative seats. Prof. Yakubu disclosed that five vacancies had already been declared in both the National and state assemblies, while he assured citizens in six other constituencies awaiting vacancy declarations that INEC was actively liaising with the relevant legislative bodies to expedite the process.
These constituencies include Ebonyi South and Yobe East senatorial districts; Akoko North East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency of Ondo State; Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency of Kebbi State; Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency of Sokoto State; and Khana II State Constituency of Rivers State.
Of the ten RECs recently confirmed by the National Assembly, nine were sworn in on Tuesday. The remaining REC-designate will be sworn in next month upon the expiration of the tenure of the current REC representing Akwa Ibom State, who is currently deployed to Delta State.