The immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said that while technology has significantly enhanced Nigeria’s election process over the past decade, it cannot completely eliminate the flaws that continue to undermine the credibility of elections in the country.
Yakubu made this known in a newly released INEC publication titled “Election Management in Nigeria: 2015–2025.” The 200-page book provides a detailed account of the commission’s operations, achievements, and challenges during Yakubu’s two-term tenure.
Describing the book as “the first and most comprehensive record of the milestones, lessons, and challenges” of his administration, Yakubu reflected on what he called “one of the most momentous decades in Nigeria’s electoral history.”
“The decade between 2015 and 2025 witnessed several milestones, many challenges, and valuable lessons in the conduct and management of elections,” he wrote.
Among the innovations introduced under Yakubu’s leadership were the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED), and the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) Portal, alongside an expansion of voter access to polling units.
He also highlighted INEC’s efforts to promote inclusivity through targeted policies for women, youths, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.
However, Yakubu noted that despite technological progress, the electoral process still faced persistent challenges, including multiple litigations, conflicting court rulings, electoral violence, vote buying, and logistical setbacks that had repeatedly forced election postponements since 2011.
“Technical challenges with equipment and network connectivity have sometimes hindered the smooth conduct of elections,” he admitted.
To mitigate these issues, he said INEC had strengthened voter education, enhanced staff training, and improved collaboration with security agencies. The commission also developed clearer policies on the deployment of electoral technologies.
Looking ahead, Yakubu urged continuous reform, vigilance, and efforts to build public trust and inclusivity.
“The commission must intensify confidence-building measures, expand inclusivity, and address emerging threats. Only through these can we ensure free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections,” he said.
The Yakubu Years
Appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, Yakubu became the first INEC chairman to serve two consecutive terms after his reappointment in 2020.
His tenure oversaw the 2019 and 2023 general elections, alongside several off-cycle polls. He introduced landmark technological reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, but his administration was also marred by criticism over alleged irregularities, logistical failures, and controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election.
While INEC defended its performance, citing technical glitches, many political parties and civil society groups questioned the credibility of the results.
Following his resignation in 2025, President Bola Tinubu honoured Yakubu with the national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). The National Council of State has since approved Tinubu’s nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new INEC Chairman, pending Senate confirmation.
Opposition Parties React
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) criticised Yakubu’s remarks, accusing him of hypocrisy and failure to address the very flaws he identified.
PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, questioned Yakubu’s legacy:
“What measures did he take in 10 years to tackle these challenges? Is this not an admission of failure?”
LP’s spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, described Yakubu’s comments as “self-indicting,” insisting that Nigeria’s electoral woes stemmed not from technology but from corrupt election officials.
“The system works, but officials manipulate it for political interests,” Ifoh said, alleging that Yakubu deliberately weakened INEC’s technological department ahead of the 2023 elections.
African Democratic Congress (ADC) spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that technology was only as effective as the people managing it.
“Technology is managed by humans. If those in charge are compromised, the process will be flawed,” he said, adding that every new INEC chairman should be judged by performance rather than appointment.
However, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) National Secretary, Dipo Olayokun, defended the commission, arguing that politicians bore greater responsibility for flawed elections.
“Most Nigerian politicians enter elections determined to win by any means. Until that mindset changes, credible elections will remain elusive,” he said.
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