The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has recently issued a strong response to Cardinal Onaiyekan’s remarks concerning the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu.
In a statement signed by AYCF President Shettima Yerima, the organization criticized Onaiyekan’s comments as dishonest and pretentious. They stated that individuals like Onaiyekan, who use religion to spread hatred, pose a threat to humanity.
The AYCF’s response conveys their disagreement with the Cardinal’s statements, referring to Onaiyekan as a “man of God” who preaches selective partisanship by misusing religion for political purposes.
“True men of God are expected to preach salvation and not engage in selective partisanship under the guise of religion, as is the case with Onaiyekan,” Yerima said.
Referring to the Cardinal’s assertion that Yakubu is misleading Nigerians and being dishonest in the conduct of the 2023 elections, Yerima said it is a blatant attempt to misuse the pulpit to promote the interests of the opposition Labour Party.
“His comments regarding the ongoing court case filed by the opposition challenging the electoral victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are part of a sinister plot by pretenders to exploit the Church’s influence to advance certain political interests.”
AYCF explained that, instead of using religion to engage in politics, Onaiyekan should leave the pulpit to genuine men of God and pursue his partisan activities.
“It is unjust and unfair to accuse Yakubu of any wrongdoing. He took extensive measures to ensure that the 2023 elections were the most transparent and credible in Nigeria’s history.
Firstly, Yakubu’s commitment to transparency and fairness is evident in the extensive preparations made by INEC for the 2023 general elections. The commission implemented various reforms, including the introduction of new technologies such as electronic voting machines and biometric voter registration.
“These measures were aimed at eliminating voter fraud, enhancing the accuracy of the electoral roll, and ensuring the credibility of the entire process. Yakubu’s proactive approach demonstrates his dedication to conducting a transparent and fair election.
“Secondly, Yakubu’s efforts to promote inclusivity and equal representation further highlight his commitment to fairness. Under Yakubu’s leadership, INEC launched a comprehensive voter education campaign to ensure that all eligible citizens were aware of their rights and responsibilities.
“This campaign targeted marginalized communities, rural areas, and traditionally underrepresented groups, with the aim of bridging the gap in political participation. By actively engaging with these communities, Yakubu demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that every citizen had an equal opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.”
Furthermore, Yakubu’s emphasis on the independence of INEC showcases his dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and credibility. He consistently advocated for the autonomy of the commission, resisting external pressures and interference.
“This commitment to independence allowed INEC to operate without bias or favoritism, ensuring that the electoral process remained impartial and transparent. Yakubu’s unwavering stance against external influence demonstrates his integrity and commitment to conducting a just election.
Moreover, Yakubu’s proactive measures to address potential challenges and mitigate electoral malpractices further solidify his dedication to fairness. INEC, under his leadership, established a robust system for monitoring and reporting irregularities during the election.
” This system included the deployment of election observers, both domestic and international, to ensure transparency and accountability.
” Additionally, Yakubu implemented strict protocols to prevent voter intimidation, violence, and other forms of electoral misconduct. These measures demonstrate his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates,” Yerima added.
