Photo File: Professor Mahmood Yakubu

The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has said that the outgoing Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, is leaving behind a weakened electoral body despite introducing several reforms during his 10-year tenure.

Yakubu, who recently completed his second term as INEC Chairman, handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as Acting Chairperson on Tuesday. His successor is expected to be appointed by President Bola Tinubu, pending Senate confirmation.

Speaking on a media platform on Wednesday, Itodo acknowledged Yakubu’s contributions to electoral development but expressed concern over growing political interference that, according to him, undermined the commission’s independence.

“You cannot wish away that Professor Mahmood introduced remarkable reforms. We are yet, as a country, to maximize the utility and potential of those reforms because of the actions of our politicians,” Itodo said.

“But I think that one thing that Professor Mahmood leaves behind to a large extent is a weak INEC — weak to the extent that there is a lot of political interference with the functions of INEC.”

He pointed to partisan appointments and external meddling in INEC’s affairs as key issues that weakened the institution and eroded trust in the electoral system.

“A classic example is the appointment of partisan Resident Electoral Commissioners. The chairman is not the appointing authority, but under Professor Mahmood, we saw how three Resident Electoral Commissioners were removed from office because of either insubordination, lack of competence, or manipulating the electoral process,” he said.

Itodo added that such interference had a direct impact on public confidence in the electoral process.

“There are several setbacks you can look at. Where is the level of trust today in the electoral process?” he asked.

“Other actors interfered with the functions of INEC, and that deepened the lack of integrity of the process.”

Despite his criticisms, Itodo commended some of Yakubu’s significant achievements, particularly in the area of electoral technology.

“One of the greatest legacies Mahmood leaves behind is the automation of our electoral processes, especially the introduction of technology,” he said.

“The BVAS and IReV were game-changers. They deepened the integrity of the accreditation process and enhanced transparency.”

He also praised the former chairman’s efforts to make elections more inclusive.

“Ten years in the life of an institution is indeed a long time,” he noted, highlighting INEC’s progress in involving women, youths, and persons living with disabilities in the electoral process.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who first assumed office in 2015, is the first INEC chairman to serve two full terms since the Commission’s establishment.