The Network for Good Governance in Nigeria (NGGN) has followed with concern
the statement issued by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alleging that the nomination of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC), as an ambassador-designate “confirms”
that he was partisan in the 2023 general elections.
This allegation is not only unfounded. It also contradicts the ADC’s own
documented praise of Prof. Yakubu’s integrity, delivered publicly by the very
person who signed the current statement.
1. The ADC once described Yakubu as “on the right side of history.”
On the occasion of INEC’s recognition of the ADC’s leadership, the same ADC
National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, wrote:
“We congratulate ADC members and all lovers of democracy in Nigeria.
We commend @INECNigeria and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for standing
on the right side of history and for standing up for the cause of multi-party democracy. Arise and shine, Nigeria!”
This commendation was issued after Prof. Yakubu defied intense political pressure
to do what was lawful and democratic.
It is therefore logically inconsistent—and ethically troubling—for the same individual to now claim that the same man’s integrity was compromised simply because he has been nominated for further national service after completing his
statutory tenure. Principle does not evaporate due to political mood swings.
2. Post-tenure public service does not invalidate electoral neutrality.
Nigeria’s democratic history is clear:
• Prof. Attahiru Jega, after conducting the 2015 elections that brought
President Buhari to power, went on to serve the Buhari government in multiple
capacities.
• No serious political actor suggested this retroactively proved
partisanship.
Similarly, Prof. Yakubu has completed his tenure. He is not being appointed to a political office. He is being considered for a diplomatic role—one that relies on expertise, experience, and global networks built over decades.
3. Global practice completely demolishes the ADC’s argument.
Across democracies:
• Canada’s former Chief Electoral Officer Jean-Pierre Kingsley
undertook government-endorsed global assignments after his tenure.
• India’s former Chief Election Commissioners routinely head national
commissions and international missions.
• South African IEC alumni frequently take up state-recommended diplomatic and governance roles.
No democracy interprets post-service appointment as proof that past elections were
compromised. Only political convenience produces that conclusion.
4. The line between “umpire” and “player” remains unbroken.
An ambassadorial posting is not a partisan reward. It does not involve party
membership, political campaigning, or advisory role to the ruling party. It is a
representational function of statehood.
International diplomacy is not a partisan activity. It is a constitutional function of the Nigerian state.
5. The timing strengthens, not weakens, the national interest.
Nigeria is experiencing a sensitive diplomatic phase, particularly with the United
States. In such moments, democracies deploy their most experienced technocrats—individuals with global networks, legitimacy, and institutional knowledge.
Prof. Yakubu has represented Nigeria on dozens of electoral missions worldwide,
earned respect from multilateral institutions, and engaged global leaders. Failing to
use such expertise would be a disservice to the nation.
6. Calling on him to reject the nomination is misplaced morality.
Rejecting a lawful national assignment does not strengthen INEC’s credibility.
Upholding institutional independence lies in:
• serving one’s full tenure,
• avoiding political office while in service,
• and maintaining dignity after departure.
Prof. Yakubu has done all three.
He owes Nigeria—not political rhetoric—his continued service.
7. Facts matter. Consistency matters. Institutions matter.
The ADC is free to hold political opinions. But rewriting the past to suit the present is neither helpful nor credible. You cannot praise a man as “standing on the right side of history” when he acts in your favour and then declare him partisan when his post-service nomination does not align with your political narrative.
Nigerians deserve better than selective memory masquerading as democratic
vigilance.
The Network for Good Governance in Nigeria urges political actors to avoid statements that undermine institutions without evidence. Nigeria’s democracy benefits when we celebrate integrity consistently—not only when it aligns with our
immediate interests.
Prof. Yakubu’s nomination is squarely within global democratic norms and does
not retroactively alter the integrity of the elections he conducted.
The focus at this critical diplomatic moment should be on projecting Nigeria’s best hands abroad, not on manufacturing controversies that weaken our international posture.
Signed: Comrade Hakeem Mafunnwa
Network for Good Governance in Nigeria (NGGN)
Abuja, Nigeria
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