Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has taken a bold stand against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body under Mahmood Yakubu of failing to uphold constitutional provisions on political defections.
Speaking as a special guest at the sixth annual Freedom Online lecture, themed “Nigeria’s Socio-Political Challenges: Whose Fault, the Leaders or the Led?”, Fubara, represented by former Rivers State Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, criticized INEC’s selective enforcement of electoral laws, particularly regarding lawmakers who defect from their elected parties.
“INEC has failed to uphold the law concerning political defections. The constitution clearly states that lawmakers who defect from the party on whose platform they were elected should lose their seats,” Fubara declared.
“However, INEC’s selective application of this rule raises serious concerns about its neutrality. When institutions fail to act decisively, the rule of law is weakened, and democracy suffers.”
Rivers Political Crisis and INEC’s Silence
Fubara’s remarks come amid the ongoing controversy surrounding 27 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.
These lawmakers, loyal to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, defected at the height of the political rift between Wike and Fubara, causing a deep split within the Assembly.
Despite calls from Fubara’s loyalists for INEC to conduct by-elections to replace the defectors, the electoral body has insisted that the matter remains sub judice (pending before the courts).
Aare Gani Adams Demands INEC Chairman’s Removal
Also speaking at the event, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, called for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, citing credibility concerns over Nigeria’s electoral system.
“Nigeria cannot achieve credible elections with Yakubu at the helm. He has presided over two general elections marred by irregularities, and his continued stay in office only benefits politicians who thrive on electoral manipulation,” Adams stated.
He further questioned the unprecedented nature of Yakubu’s extended tenure, warning of a hidden political agenda behind his prolonged leadership.
“It has never happened in our history for an INEC chairman to oversee three presidential elections. Why is he still in office? Are they saying there is no other qualified professor for the role? If investigated, I am certain he has amassed enormous wealth. Without a credible INEC chairman, Nigeria will never have credible elections,” Adams added.
Bode George Weighs in on Babangida’s Memoir
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olabode George, addressed the ongoing debate surrounding former Military President Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir, particularly his admission that annulling the June 12, 1993 election was a mistake.
George urged Nigerians to refrain from further debates on Babangida’s decision, suggesting that political science and history scholars should analyze the issue objectively.
“Despite various democratic transitions since June 12, 1993, Nigeria has yet to achieve the desired level of development. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, we should focus on strengthening our democracy,” he stated.
Experts Condemn Monetization of Politics
Discussing the event’s theme, Prof. Akinyemi Onigbinde argued that the fundamental problem in Nigerian politics is not just a divide between leaders and the led, but rather the monetization of governance.
“Vote-buying has turned elections into a transactional process, making officeholders indifferent to good governance,” he noted.
Similarly, former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, condemned the growing influence of money in politics, stating that both INEC and the judiciary have become tools for political manipulation.
“Until we break the cycle of corruption in our electoral and judicial institutions, true democracy will remain elusive,” she warned.
Call for Good Governance and Accountability
Former Minister of Police Affairs, Omoniyi Olubolade, called on Nigerian leaders to prioritize good governance, urging citizens to speak out against incompetence.
> “Leadership is about service. If our leaders fail, Nigerians must hold them accountable and demand transparency, sincerity, and a genuine fight against corruption,” he said.
A Call for Urgent Reforms
In his opening remarks, Managing Director of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, stressed the need for comprehensive political and judicial reforms to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
The event attracted several high-profile attendees, including former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, 2023 SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo, and prominent media executives like NGE President Eze Anaba and GOCOP President Maureen Chigbo.
With tensions escalating in Rivers State, Fubara’s challenge to INEC’s credibility signals a deeper battle for electoral accountability and political fairness—a battle that could reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape in the coming months.
Credit: NaijaNews except headline
