Mahmood Yakubu Disappointed Nigerians; Tinubu Should Name Independent INEC Chair To Restore Confidence

Former PDP presidential aspirant urges electoral, economic, and political reforms, warning Nigeria risks repeating past failures.

Former presidential aspirant and former chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, has called on President Bola Tinubu to use the exit of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, as an opportunity to reset Nigeria’s electoral system and appoint an independent successor who will restore public confidence in elections.

Speaking on ARISE News on Tuesday, Ohuabunwa described Yakubu’s departure as “cheery news,” saying his tenure left “a bitter taste in the mouths of many politicians and Nigerians.”

“Mahmood does not leave a very sweet taste in the mouth of many politicians because he let us down, especially in the last election,” Ohuabunwa said. “He raised our hopes so high that at last we had gotten our electoral system to a point we could trust the results, but at the critical time, he dropped the ball. Whether it was accidental, coincidental, or deliberate, history will judge that.”

He added that Nigerians deserved elections whose results are beyond dispute.

“We should get to a stage now where we shouldn’t be disputing the legitimacy of our president or governors. When a man wins an election, we should largely agree that this is the person who won. Mahmood let us down. I’m happy his term has ended; he should go and take his rest.”

Ohuabunwa urged the government to seize the moment to reform the political and electoral system.

“There could never have been a better time. What is calling on us today is to retrace our steps. With the ongoing economic reforms, government reform should run through every facet — economics, politics, and social systems. The president has shown courage by breaking from the past. This is the time to be selfless and pick an independent person to lead INEC. If we miss it again, it might be long in coming.”

Turning to the economy, Ohuabunwa — a respected economist and former NESG chairman — expressed cautious optimism about the Tinubu administration’s reforms, despite what he called “low consumer confidence.”

“Consumer confidence is low because people have stopped trusting government after many years of failed promises — light for all, health for all, housing for all — yet we have no light, no health, no housing. But I can tell you sincerely that we are beginning to hold this economy on the right path,” he said.

He commended the deregulation of petroleum and foreign exchange markets, describing it as a necessary step toward sustainable growth.

“We’ve always said: let’s deregulate, let’s privatise, let the market determine value and promote competition. The consumer should get the best. For years, Nigeria went through a critical revenue crisis where debt servicing consumed 97% of revenue. What this government has done has at least brought us out of that crisis stage. Revenue is ramping up, and with new tax laws, it will improve further.”

However, Ohuabunwa warned that the administration must match revenue gains with fiscal discipline.

“We have dealt with the revenue crisis, but there’s now an expenditure crisis — a waste crisis. The government must ensure we get value for money. A small percentage of the political class is taking a disproportionate share of the revenue. We can’t continue like that. Otherwise, it’s like digging a hole and then using the same sand to fill it back.”

Speaking on his new book, *Driven by Revelation and Inspiration: My Inspirational Journey Through the 2023 Presidential Elections and Matters Arising*, Ohuabunwa explained that his decision to run for president was motivated by divine instruction.

“Many people asked me why I entered politics, knowing my values and principles contradict Nigeria’s political system. It was a whole depth of inspiration and revelation from God that was irresistible. God’s time is not our own. When He speaks, He has a purpose, and obedience is the key.”

Reflecting on his experience in the 2023 race, he lamented that Nigeria’s politics remains dominated by money rather than ideas.

“This country is not ready for people who have ideas or competence. What rules Nigeria today is money. The person who wins any primary must either have the highest amount of money, raise it, or have godfathers spend it on him. When an average Nigerian without bags of money aspires to serve, he’s going nowhere. People will listen to you, sympathise, but vote for the highest bidder.”

On his current political status, Ohuabunwa said he remains “nominally in the PDP” but without active commitment.

“I’ve not resigned, but my spirit and mind are not in PDP. The party is in complete disarray. Every day you think it’s getting better, but it’s getting worse. The acting chairman and secretary are quarrelling. The decay has gotten so bad that only God can redeem it. Anybody putting hope on PDP today is making a mistake.”

He added that the same challenges of monetisation exist across all parties.

“Even in ADC or any other party, the disease is the same — do you have money? If you don’t, there’s no space for you.”

Despite the setbacks, Ohuabunwa maintained that he remains politically engaged and views his mission as service to the nation.

“I’m not headed for political oblivion. I take politics as a ministry — a call to serve. I’m unhappy seeing the poverty and suffering in this country and how Nigerians are looked down upon. My desire is to see Nigeria become a developed country. It doesn’t have to be me; if I find others who can achieve it, they have my support.”

He concluded by reiterating his belief that while the Tinubu government’s economic direction is right, fiscal waste must be urgently curtailed.

“The economy is the central thing. If the government doesn’t arrest the erosion caused by wasteful expenditure, we may not get the full benefit of the reforms we are seeing today.”