David Awoyode
Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, has insisted that the 2023 presidential election was manipulated and called for a credible figure to lead the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Criticism of INEC Chairman
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Baba-Ahmed directly accused INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, of violating the Nigerian Constitution during the last presidential poll.
Alleged Breach of Electoral Law
“A credible person, that’s all I want, and not someone who will clearly read what the constitution provides—25 per cent in at least two-thirds of the states of the federation including the FCT—yet go ahead to breach the Constitution and put Nigeria where it is today,” he said.
Responsibility for Nigeria’s Crisis
He stressed that individuals can “make or break nations,” adding that Yakubu bears responsibility for the consequences of his actions during the 2023 elections.
Judicial Endorsement Questioned
Baba-Ahmed further lamented that another arm of government upheld what he termed a constitutional violation.
“As small as I am and by the service of God Almighty, it’s wrong what they upheld. The court has the power to say you are wrong even if you are not wrong. That election was rigged, and up till now the results remain inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution,” he stated.
