The youth wing of the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has stepped forward to defend the nomination of the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, as an ambassador. The group insists that the criticisms against his inclusion on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 35-man list are baseless and not in the interest of the nation.
Dismissing Criticism as Political Resentment
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 3, 2025, the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (ONYC) Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, characterized the objections to Yakubu's nomination as "misplaced" and largely fueled by political bitterness. The nomination had faced backlash from certain political figures and civil society organizations who deemed it inappropriate, referencing Yakubu's recent role overseeing the 2023 general elections that resulted in President Tinubu's victory.
Okwu countered this narrative by reminding the public that the Ohanaeze youth wing had previously commended INEC under Yakubu's leadership for what it viewed as a fair electoral process. He suggested that those contesting the election results have been unable to accept the outcome. "Does it mean that since he worked as INEC chairman, and conducted an election that brought President Bola Tinubu into power, he should retire from active public service?" Okwu questioned pointedly.
A Defense of Electoral Integrity and Service
The youth leader argued that no election globally is flawless, but he highlighted that under Yakubu's watch, the electoral process demonstrated significant independence. He pointed to the fact that sitting governors and members of the National Assembly lost their seats as clear evidence of a process that was not manipulated.
Furthermore, Okwu praised the former INEC boss for his contributions to strengthening Nigeria's democracy. "Prof. Yakubu introduced several reforms that strengthened the electoral system, and it is left for the new INEC leadership to build on those reforms," the statement emphasized. He portrayed Yakubu as a distinguished public servant whose constitutional rights to further service should not be limited because of his past office.
Detailing Yakubu's career, Okwu noted his previous role as the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), where he was also not found wanting. "His track record earned him the INEC position, and he served meritoriously for 10 years," he added, building a case for Yakubu's competence and integrity.
A Call for Senate Confirmation
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council concluded its defense with a direct appeal to the Nigerian Senate. The group urged the lawmakers to proceed with Yakubu's confirmation, asserting that the opposition stems from parochial interests rather than genuine patriotism.
"All the criticisms against him are not borne out of patriotic motivation but parochial interests. We, therefore, urge the Senate to go ahead and confirm Prof Yakubu as all the criticisms against him are not borne out of genuine love for the country but parochial interests," the statement read. This firm endorsement positions the Igbo youth group as a key supporter of Yakubu's next potential role in Nigeria's diplomatic service.
