Ghana election: Labour Party criticizes INEC chairman, Yakubu

The Labour Party (LP) has directed sharp criticism at the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, following his public commendation of Ghana’s recent presidential election.

The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, expressed dissatisfaction with the INEC overseer.

Mr. Ifoh made the remarks during an interview granted to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).

He asserted that Yakubu’s involvement in the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria played a significant role in the ongoing socio-political challenges in the country.

He accused the INEC chairman of overseeing an election fraught with irregularities, glitches, and controversies, which many believe compromised the democratic process.

The Labour Party’s stance was unequivocal: Professor Yakubu should be seeking lessons from Ghana’s electoral process rather than offering commendation.

The aftermath of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria was marked by widespread discontent and allegations of manipulation.

Many Nigerians expressed their disappointment with the conduct of the polls, particularly the presidential election, which saw Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared winner.

Numerous reports from observers and stakeholders highlighted significant challenges that marred the electoral process.

These include the malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and issues with the electronic transmission of results to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).

These setbacks had raised questions about the transparency and credibility of the election.

Ballot box snatching, electoral violence, and logistical delays were among the challenges that were extensively reported.

Despite assurances by INEC that the election would be the most technologically advanced and transparent in Nigeria’s history, the reality on the ground painted a starkly different picture.

The lapses were blamed on poor planning, inadequate training of staff, and a lack of accountability at various levels of the electoral process.

It is within this context that the Labour Party’s criticisms of the INEC Chairman gained further significance.

Ifoh, speaking on behalf of the party, stated that the conduct of Ghana’s presidential election should serve as a model for Nigeria.

In his words, the absence of electoral violence, logistical failures, and technological glitches in Ghana demonstrated what a credible electoral process should entail.

According to Ifoh, the Ghanaian election allowed the will of the people to prevail without interference, unlike what transpired in Nigeria in 2023.

“It is unfortunate that Professor Mahmood Yakubu, under whose watch Nigerians endured a flawed electoral process, would turn around to commend Ghana,” Ifoh remarked.

“The INEC Chairman should be the one to learn from Ghana.

“He owes Nigerians an apology for the hardships they are currently enduring, which were exacerbated by the electoral mismanagement under his leadership.”

The Labour Party’s grievances stem not only from the perceived lack of accountability on Yakubu’s part but also from the broader implications of the 2023 elections.

The outcomes of those elections have been linked to the economic and political instability currently being experienced in Nigeria.

Many citizens believe that their voices were stifled and their choices subverted, leading to a government that lacks the full legitimacy of a free and fair mandate.

In Ghana, however, a starkly different scenario was observed.

Reports from international observers lauded the West African nation for conducting a presidential election that was largely free from violence, logistical disruptions, and technological malfunctions.

The transparency of the process was evident, and the results were widely accepted by the populace.

Ghanaians have been described as content with the process, as their votes were seen to have counted without undue interference.

The Labour Party said that it’s call is for Professor Yakubu to take responsibility, which highlights a persistent demand for electoral reforms in Nigeria.

Critics argue that the challenges experienced during the 2023 elections were avoidable, had adequate measures been taken to address systemic weaknesses within INEC.

The BVAS and IReV technologies, which were introduced to enhance transparency, ended up being sources of frustration due to their seemingly deliberate non-performance.

This has led to calls for better training, infrastructure, and oversight in future elections.

In light of Ghana’s success, the Labour Party’s position underscores a growing sentiment among Nigerians that their electoral process is in dire need of transformation.

“What Ghanaians enjoyed during their election is what Nigerians have been yearning for.

“It is high time Professor Yakubu and his team acknowledged their shortcomings and worked towards rebuilding trust in the system,” Ifoh emphasized.

Despite moving on from the events of 2023, the Labour Party maintains that the lessons from that election must not be ignored.

The party believes that accountability and transparency are foundational to democratic governance.

The INEC Chairman’s commendation of Ghana’s election may have been intended to highlight a positive example.i

It has, instead, drawn attention to Nigeria’s electoral failings and the urgent need for reforms.

The narrative surrounding the 2023 elections serves as a reminder of the consequences of flawed democratic processes.

For Nigeria to achieve the stability and development it aspires to, its electoral system must inspire confidence among its citizens.

This, the Labour Party argues, can only be achieved through genuine accountability, robust planning, and a commitment to upholding the sanctity of the ballot.

As discussions around electoral reform continue, the Labour Party’s critique of Professor Yakubu’s leadership at INEC underscores the importance of learning from the successes of other nations.

The comparison with Ghana’s election is not merely a criticism but also a call to action for Nigeria to adopt best practices.

That, observers note, will ensure that the will of its people is truly reflected in future elections.

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