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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, of working for his political opposition during the 2023 presidential election.
Obi made the allegation in an exclusive interview with ARISE News, where he said Nigerians were too trusting of INEC ahead of the 2023 election and relied on assurances from the commission that the poll would be credible.
The former Anambra State governor said Yakubu had convinced Nigerians and the international community that INEC would conduct the election fairly, but alleged that events during the election showed otherwise.
“In 2023, we took things for granted. We believed INEC. We believed what they said they would do.
“The INEC Chairman convinced the world that he would do the right thing, when, in fact, he was working for the opposition.
“This time, we will only trust them by doing the right thing ourselves,” Obi said.
His comments come as concerns over the credibility of the electoral process return to the centre of political debate ahead of the 2027 general election. Obi has recently urged Nigerians to defend their votes, while INEC has warned political actors against inflammatory statements that could undermine the electoral process.
The 2023 presidential election was followed by legal challenges from Obi and other opposition candidates, with Obi and the Labour Party challenging the result declared by INEC. The Supreme Court ultimately dismissed Obi’s appeal and affirmed the earlier judgment upholding the election result.
Obi’s latest allegation therefore places INEC and its leadership under renewed political scrutiny as opposition parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
