Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has identified the ‘do or die’ mentality of some political actors as one of the challenges confronting the commission and credible elections in 2019.
According to him, “we are all preaching democracy but unfortunately, what we have is democracy without democrats.”
He called on politicians and political parties to learn how to accept defeat, reiterating that INEC was “deeply committed to delivering credible elections in 2019.”
Yakubu, while delivering the Realnews Magazine 6th anniversary lecture at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, said the burden of delivering credible elections should however not be left on the shoulders of INEC alone.
He spoke on: “Political Transitions and Africa’s Economic Development.”
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According to him, “INEC alone cannot deliver credible elections. All stakeholders must work with us. Security agencies, CSOs, media, youths, women, politicians etc, must all play their roles.”
Harping on the need to get it right in 2019, the INEC Chairman said: “A poorly conducted election can lead to anarchy, instability and even civil war. If votes do not count, then of course the, the consequential benefits derivable to the electorate would not be possible because elected office holders would not be accountable.
Nations can’t develop is they are unstable. We have seen nations and cities destroyed by unacceptable electoral outcomes. We have equally seen once happy, contented and thriving people become homeless and hopeless in internally displaced persons camp.”
He noted that periodic credible elections remained the best way to promote political stability and economic development and assured that INEC would never disappoint Nigerians.
Like the agama lizard that fell from the tree, Yakabu commended the commission describing it as the most improved public service in Nigeria between 1999 and 2018.
