(DDM) – Former presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, has described the exit of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as “cheering news” for many Nigerian politicians, saying the outgoing chairman “left a bitter taste” in their mouths.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Ohuabunwa made the remark during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, shortly after Yakubu officially handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu, who assumes office as Acting INEC Chairman following his commencement of terminal leave.
Ohuabunwa, who was among the leading voices advocating for electoral reforms ahead of the 2023 general elections, said Yakubu failed to live up to the high expectations he inspired among political stakeholders and the electorate before the polls.
“Prof. Yakubu’s step down is cheering news,” Ohuabunwa said. “He left a bitter taste in the mouths of many politicians. He let politicians down, especially in the 2023 elections.”
He recalled that before the election, Nigerians had believed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) would bring transparency and integrity to the process.
According to him, the eventual handling of the presidential poll shattered public confidence in the commission’s neutrality and technological readiness.
“He raised our hopes so high, thinking we could trust the election results, then dropped the ball at the critical time,” Ohuabunwa said. “Whether it was accidental, coincidental, or deliberate, history will judge that, but he left a bitter taste in our mouths.”
The former Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) president further emphasized that Yakubu’s tenure would be remembered for controversy, litigation, and distrust, rather than electoral credibility.
He noted that democracy cannot thrive when election outcomes are persistently disputed, warning that constant post-election crises erode citizens’ faith in governance.
“We should get to a stage now where we shouldn’t be disputing the legitimacy of our president or even governor when he wins election,” he added. “That’s the hallmark of true democracy, when the people can trust the process and accept the outcome.”
Political observers who spoke with DDM said Ohuabunwa’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among political actors who felt disillusioned after the 2023 elections.
While INEC had defended its conduct, citing technical glitches and logistical challenges, many Nigerians and opposition parties accused the commission of compromising transparency by failing to transmit results in real time as earlier promised.
As May Agbamuche-Mbu takes over leadership of INEC in an acting capacity, expectations are high for institutional reforms that could rebuild public trust ahead of the next general election cycle.
Analysts believe that her tenure, though temporary, offers an opportunity to redefine electoral accountability, strengthen voter confidence, and close the credibility gap left
by Yakubu’s administration.