Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has raised concerns about the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of failing to uphold constitutional provisions on political defections.
Fubara, who spoke at the sixth annual Freedom Online lecture in Lagos, argued that INEC’s selective enforcement of laws weakens democracy. The event, titled “Nigeria’s Socio-Political Challenges: Whose Fault, the Leaders or the Led?”, took place at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, on Thursday.
Through his representative, former Rivers State Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru, Fubara stated, “The Independent National Electoral Commission has failed to uphold the law concerning political defections. According to the constitution, lawmakers who defect from the party on whose platform they were elected should lose their seats. However, INEC has been selective in enforcing this rule, raising questions about its neutrality. When institutions fail to do the needful, the rule of law is weakened, and democracy suffers.”
His comments come amid the controversy surrounding 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023. The lawmakers, who are loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, switched parties during a political rift between Wike and Fubara. Their defection divided the Assembly, with only four lawmakers remaining on Fubara’s side.
Following the defection, the pro-Fubara lawmakers urged INEC to conduct by-elections to replace them, but the electoral commission maintained that the matter was in court.
Gani Adams Calls for INEC Chairman’s Removal
At the same event, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, demanded the removal of INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, arguing that the electoral system needs urgent reforms.
“We need a drastic approach to reform our electoral system. If we want credible elections in this country, Nigerians must call for the immediate removal of the incumbent INEC chairman. I don’t believe anything good can come from him anymore,” Adams stated.
He further questioned why Yakubu, who has presided over two general elections, should be allowed to oversee a third.
“It is unprecedented in our history for an INEC chairman to conduct three presidential elections. This has never happened before. There must be an ulterior motive—perhaps some believe they can continue using him to their advantage if he remains in office,” Adams added.
He also alleged that Yakubu had accumulated substantial wealth during his tenure and insisted that a credible electoral body is essential for free and fair elections.
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Bode George Weighs in on June 12 Annulment
Chief Olabode George, who chaired the occasion, addressed the controversy surrounding former military leader Ibrahim Babangida’s recent memoir, in which he admitted that annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election was a mistake.
George urged Nigerians to stop debating the issue and allow historians and political scientists to analyze Babangida’s account objectively.
“It is time to move forward. The country has had multiple leaders since June 12, 1993, yet we have not achieved the progress we desire,” George said.
Experts Blame Money Politics for Nigeria’s Governance Woes
Prof. Akinyemi Onigbinde, speaking on the event’s theme, argued that Nigeria’s problem is not just about leadership or the electorate but also the monetization of politics. He pointed out that many politicians focus more on buying votes than delivering good governance.
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, echoed this sentiment, stating that both INEC and the judiciary have been compromised by politicians.
“The influence of money in politics is a major problem. Until we address it, we will continue to struggle with governance and democracy,” Bucknor-Akerele said.
Similarly, former Minister of Police Affairs, Omoniyi Olubolade, called on leaders to prioritize good governance and urged Nigerians to hold them accountable.
“The people must speak out against incompetent leadership. Leaders must also be sincere, transparent, and committed to fighting corruption,” he said.
Call for Reforms and Institutional Integrity
Gabriel Akinadewo, Managing Director of *Freedom Online*, set the tone for the discussions by emphasizing the need for urgent political and judicial reforms in Nigeria.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party Adewole Adebayo, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors Eze Anaba, and President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers Maureen Chigbo. Others included past NGE President Mustapha Isah, former PUNCH Editor Najeem Jimoh, and Lagos State Director of Public Affairs Segun Ogundeji.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for electoral reforms, institutional integrity, and the depoliticization of key agencies in Nigeria’s democratic process.