INEC Under Mahmood Yakubu Was A National Disgrace – Atedo Peterside

INEC Under Mahmood Yakubu: A National Disgrace - Atedo Peterside’s Scathing Critique

In a candid and forceful interview aired on Channels Television’s "Politics Today" on October 27, 2025, Atedo Peterside, the founder of ANAP Foundation and a prominent Nigerian businessman, delivered a blistering critique of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of its former chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. Peterside did not mince words, branding Yakubu’s tenure as a “national disgrace,” and expressing deep concern over the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral processes during that period.

Peterside’s remarks came in response to the recent appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new INEC chairman, replacing Yakubu who had served from 2015 until October 2025.

While acknowledging the possibility of improvement under new leadership, Peterside emphasized that the damage done under Yakubu’s administration was profound and visible. He pointed to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as a glaring example, alleging that the platform was riddled with manipulated and mutilated result sheets.

According to him, some of the uploaded documents contained altered figures, and in certain cases, the inconsistencies were so blatant that even the textual descriptions failed to match the numerical data.

Beyond INEC, Peterside extended his criticism to the Nigerian judiciary, accusing it of failing to uphold the standards necessary to safeguard democratic integrity. He voiced support for proposed electoral reforms, particularly those that would shift the burden of proof in election disputes from the complainant to INEC itself. This, he argued, would prevent the electoral body from presenting questionable results and then placing the onus on victims to prove wrongdoing. He cited Senator Henry Seriake Dickson’s recent comments in the Senate advocating for amendments to the Electoral Act as a step in the right direction.

Peterside warned that the erosion of public trust in both INEC and the judiciary could have dangerous consequences. If citizens continue to perceive the electoral system as rigged and the courts as complicit or ineffective, he cautioned, they may resort to self-help in future elections—a scenario that could destabilize the country’s democratic framework.

The interview followed the swearing-in of Professor Amupitan by President Bola Tinubu on October 23, 2025, a week after the Senate confirmed his appointment.

Peterside’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among many Nigerians who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the electoral process and are calling for urgent reforms to restore credibility and transparency.

In essence, Atedo Peterside’s critique serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. His call for accountability, reform, and institutional integrity underscores the pressing need for a system that not only delivers free and fair elections but also commands the confidence of the electorate.