Former minister of transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, has described Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the worst to ever occupy the office.
Amaechi spoke during a webinar on electoral reforms held on Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.
He criticised the electoral body for failing to strengthen the nation’s democracy and accused the political class of lacking the courage to pursue genuine reforms.
“There is absolutely nothing anybody can do about electoral reform in Nigeria, especially under this present government—absolutely nothing,” Amaechi said.
The former minister added that many politicians invited to the dialogue were once in government but failed to deliver reforms when they had the chance.
“Most of the people invited here today were once in government. What did they do when they had the opportunity to carry out electoral reform?
“If they had done it then, we wouldn’t be here today having this conversation now,” he said.
Amaechi said politicians only care about winning elections and holding on to power, while many Nigerians are too afraid of President Bola Tinubu to demand change.
He argued that reforming Nigeria’s electoral system is not solely the responsibility of politicians but also of the citizens themselves.
