The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has strongly criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his recent call to remove Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The NDYC dismissed Obasanjo’s demands as baseless and hypocritical, pointing to his own controversial record on electoral integrity and governance.
In a statement signed by the National Coordinator, the NDYC described Obasanjo’s tenure as one that institutionalized undemocratic practices. The group highlighted the 2003 and 2007 elections conducted under Obasanjo’s administration, widely regarded as some of the most fraudulent in Nigeria’s history. The organization recalled Obasanjo’s infamous statement that even Jesus Christ could not conduct a free and fair election in Nigeria, framing it as a reflection of his cynical approach to democracy.
The NDYC also criticized Obasanjo’s attempts to undermine democratic institutions during his presidency, citing instances such as the military invasions of Odi and Zaki Biam, the manipulation of state legislatures, and his failed third-term agenda. The group emphasized that these actions left lasting scars on Nigeria’s political system and democratic credibility.
“Nigerians are not blind to the fact that Obasanjo has consistently attacked every leader after him, often using divisive rhetoric and political theatrics to mask his failures,” the statement read. The NDYC urged Nigerians to reject Obasanjo’s attempts to position himself as a defender of democracy, calling his actions a distraction from the collective effort required to build resilient institutions.
The NDYC concluded by affirming its support for Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s leadership and the reforms he has introduced to improve Nigeria’s electoral process. The group called on citizens to focus on fostering unity and institutional growth, rather than being swayed by politically motivated distractions.