Arewa Groups Reject Calls For INEC Chairman’s Removal

Arewa groups under the aegis of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have described the recent resurgence of calls for the removal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as mischievous and uncalled for.

A statement issued by the president general of the forum, Yerima Shettima of AYCF, said, “ The calls, primarily emanating from discontented politicians who view power as an end in itself, are not only misguided but also detrimental to the democratic fabric of our nation.

In recent weeks, we have witnessed a cacophony of voices, driven by self-interest and political opportunism, clamoring for the ousting of Professor Yakubu.

Such demands are rooted in a profound misunderstanding of the role of INEC and its leadership.”

Yerima said it is imperative to clarify that under Professor Yakubu’s stewardship, INEC has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness, transparency, and integrity in the electoral process. The commission has consistently upheld the sanctity of our elections, ensuring that the voices of the Nigerian people are heard and respected.

“The integrity of elections is a cornerstone of any democratic society, and the AYCF stands firmly behind INEC’s efforts to fortify this principle. The recent elections, conducted under Professor Yakubu’s guidance, have been characterized by a level of transparency that has not only earned the confidence of the electorate but has also been acknowledged by both local and international observers.

“Contrary to the mischievous and unfounded claims made by his critics, the electoral results reflect the will of the people, a testament to the rigorous processes instituted by INEC.

We take particular exception to the involvement of peripheral figures, such as Lawyer Anthony Ehilebo, who have emerged as hitmen for this unpatriotic project against Professor Yakubu. It is disheartening to witness individuals, driven by ulterior motives, attempting to undermine the credibility of an institution that plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our democracy,” he said.

The AYCF condemned such actions and warned that those who engage in such treachery will be held accountable in the fullness of time, adding that it is crucial to recognize that the calls for the removal of Professor Yakubu are not merely an attack on an individual; they represent a broader assault on the democratic process itself.

In a similar statement issued by the chairman NAN, Salihu Suleiman, he averred that both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu should remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the rule of law and the democratic principles that bind the nation, adding that the integrity of the electoral process must not be compromised by the whims of a few disenchanted individuals.