The Yoruba Youth Council has strongly opposed recent calls for the removal of the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, describing such demands as ill-motivated and baseless.
The group expressed its stance in a statement issued on Friday by its President, Eric Oluwole, emphasizing concerns about the timing of these calls, which come just days before the Ondo State governorship election.
Oluwole specifically addressed the trending hashtag #YakubuMustGo on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as an orchestrated attempt to undermine INEC’s leadership.
“The Yoruba Youth Council, YYC, condemns in strong terms the recent calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. We regard these calls as ill-motivated, baseless, and against Nigeria’s national interest,” Oluwole stated.
He added, “The timing of these calls, emerging just days before the governorship election in Ondo State, raises concerns about possible political motives. It is troubling that calls for Prof. Yakubu’s removal seem to arise repeatedly whenever an election is near, creating unnecessary tension and appearing calculated to disrupt the stability of the electoral process. This is unpatriotic and counterproductive.”
Reacting to the social media agitation, Oluwole highlighted what he described as a smear campaign. “In particular, we are disturbed by the #YakubuMustGo trending on X (formerly Twitter). The YYC views this as an unfounded attack on Prof.
Yakubu’s integrity and an attempt to undermine INEC’s leadership at a critical time. Such agitation against him is orchestrated by individuals who do not have Nigeria’s best interests at heart.”
The YYC praised Prof. Yakubu’s tenure as INEC chairman, emphasizing his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic progress. “Over the years, calls for the removal of INEC Chairs, including Prof. Yakubu, have often been dismissed by patriotic Nigerians as baseless and harmful to our democratic progress. Prof. Yakubu has demonstrated exemplary leadership, showing unwavering commitment to impartiality, accountability, and transparency. His dedication has significantly strengthened our electoral process, ensuring it becomes more credible and respected, both at home and internationally.”
The council commended Yakubu’s reforms for fortifying global confidence in Nigeria’s democracy, noting that his efforts have reduced election-related violence.
Oluwole stressed that these reforms have guided Nigeria toward a stronger democratic path, making the current calls for Yakubu’s removal detrimental to the nation’s progress.
“Prof. Yakubu’s reforms have fortified global confidence in Nigeria’s democracy, guiding our great nation toward a stronger democratic path. We believe that current calls for his removal, rather than advancing Nigeria’s progress, threaten to undo the gains we have collectively achieved under his stewardship. These calls are detrimental to the principles of democracy that we hold dear as a people,” he said.
Reaffirming its support, the YYC passed a vote of confidence in Prof. Yakubu. “As youths who value Nigeria’s democratic journey, the YYC stands in firm support of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. We pass a vote of confidence in his leadership of INEC, knowing he will continue to uphold the values of integrity, impartiality, and accountability. His commitment to peaceful elections, shown by his insistence on peace accords at all electoral levels, has reduced election-related violence, an achievement that deserves commendation, not baseless criticism.”
The YYC concluded with a call to action, urging Nigerians to reject divisive attempts to destabilize INEC.
“We, the Yoruba Youth Council, remain resolute in our support for Prof. Yakubu’s exemplary service to Nigeria and reject any attempts to destabilize INEC under his leadership. We call on all patriotic Nigerians to recognize and appreciate the progress we have made in our democracy, thanks in part to Prof. Yakubu’s contributions, and to join us in rejecting these unfounded attacks,” Oluwole stated.