Activist accuses INEC Chairman of allegedly undermining rule of law

From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna

A concerned Citizen, Prince Oladele Oluseun Sunday White, has expresed concern over the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud, which he alleged was a threat to democracy and undermining the rule of law in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna today.

Prince Oladele accused the INEC Chairman of disregarding the constitution by dealing with Mr. Kenneth Udeze as a National Chairman of the Action Alliance, despite the ruling of the Supreme Court judgment declaring him as a nonmember.

“In a democratic society, the constitution serves as the foundation of governance, outlining the principles and guidelines for the country’s governance. However, when individuals or institutions disregard or manipulate the Constitution for personal gain or power, it can have severe consequences for the nation.

“Professor Yakubu Mahmood of INEC is fond of raping the constitution in the market square. This statement is a metaphor for the blatant disregard for the rule of law and the principles enshrined in the Constitution,” he alleged.

Prince Oladele said that the Chairman’s actions represents a brazen attempt to undermine the very fabric of democracy, often for selfish or authoritarian purposes, “It is more painful and shameful that such a dastardly act is coming from a high echelon in such a sensitive organization as INEC.”

“How can INEC, a product of our constitution be disobeying the judgment of the highest Court in the land. The Supreme Court expressly upheld the judgment of the Appeal Court that Barrister Kenneth Udeze is not a member of Action Alliance, yet Prof Yakubu Mahmood keeps dealing with the non-member of our Party as the National Chairman of Action Alliance, even  Barrister Kenneth Udeze has never at any forum denied that he had been expelled from the Party, how Prof Yakubu Mahmood now turned devil’s advocate and be speaking for Barrister Kenneth Udeze is what no sane mind can comprehend. INEC is saddled with the responsibility to supervise and oversee political parties, but INEC under Prof Yakubu Mahmood has jettisoned neutrality and impartiality; instead, INEC has become so involved with Political Parties and Yakubu Mahmood has now turned himself into an unofficial Party member”.

He noted that “Almost all the political parties are now polarized, not because the Party members desired so, but because Prof Yakubu Mahmood wants to turn all the political parties to his fiefdom, sponsoring crisis in the political parties, to what gain remains mystery. It’s not by chance that the Labour Party has issues, AAC, APGA, NNPP, not to mention Action Alliance, among others.

“With the quality of Legal Minds at the disposal of INEC, and the 3 billion Naira taxpayers’ money INEC set aside for litigations, one would be shocked that INEC will defiantly refuse to obey the judgment of the Supreme Court.  What a slap on the face of Democracy and our Constitution.”

Mr Oladele said that “The Constitution is the backbone of a nation, providing the framework for governance, protecting individual rights, and promoting the common good. When it is disregarded or manipulated as Professor Yakubu Mahmood is doing, the very foundations of democracy are shaken.”

“Let’s work together to protect the constitution and promote democratic principles. Prof Yakubu Mahmood of INEC Nigeria is  trampling on our constitution, until Nigerians come together and voice out against him, he will keep thinking he is untouchable.”

“Professor Yakubu Mahmood,  it is not too late for you to do the right thing by recognizing Hon. Dr. Rufai Adekunle Omoaje and the National Executives elected on 7th October 2023 and supervised by INEC and also given a clean bill by the same INEC,” the statement reads.