The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has issued a sharp rebuke against former ministers Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai over their recent criticisms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The organization characterized the comments as “reckless, self-serving and politically motivated vituperations” that undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In a statement signed by National Coordinator Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, the NDYC defended INEC’s conduct of the 2023 General Elections, describing the process as credible, transparent, and reflective of the Nigerian people’s will despite challenging circumstances. The organization particularly criticized El-Rufai’s apparent reversal of position, noting that he had previously supported the electoral process and congratulated INEC when the outcomes favored his preferred candidate.
The NDYC attributed El-Rufai’s current stance to personal grievances stemming from his exclusion from the current administration’s cabinet, describing his actions as driven by “personal pique” rather than patriotism. Similarly, the organization dismissed Amaechi’s criticisms as “sour grapes and political bitterness” following his loss of political relevance within his party.
The statement emphasized that both individuals’ attacks lack empirical evidence and represent desperate attempts to maintain public attention. The NDYC called for an end to what it termed unwarranted attacks on INEC, urging the institution to remain focused on its constitutional mandate. The organization reaffirmed its confidence in Professor Yakubu’s leadership and called on Nigerians to recognize the alleged duplicity of politicians seeking to destabilize institutions they cannot control.