INEC chairman faces backlash for claiming Ghana borrowed leave from Nigeria’s system of election.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has praised Ghana’s electoral process, citing its political stability and innovative approach as key factors in the success of the country’s 2024 presidential election.

Yakubu made these remarks in a speech on Sunday, December 8, 2024, after monitoring the election, which saw former president John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) triumph over incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

Although the official results are expected to be announced by Tuesday, Yakubu emphasized the smooth conduct of the election, noting Ghana’s political stability as a significant factor.

He praised the country’s consistent political party structures and voter loyalty, which he believes provide stability regardless of the political landscape.

“Rarely in Ghana do you see people moving from one party to another with every general election,” Yakubu said, highlighting how citizens maintain loyalty to their political parties, even when their chosen parties are in opposition.

Yakubu also pointed to the perseverance of political figures like Mahama, who, after several attempts, won the presidency, and Nana Akufo-Addo, the current president, who contested multiple elections before achieving success. According to Yakubu, this continuity in political allegiance is a key driver of the nation’s stability.

The INEC chairman also acknowledged Ghana’s adoption of a decentralized electoral system, which has drawn inspiration from Nigeria’s approach to managing results at the constituency level.

In Ghana’s previous elections, all results were sent to Accra, but now, constituency-level officers announce parliamentary results locally, while presidential results are the only ones sent to the capital.

“Ghana has borrowed a leave from us in the way constituency election results are managed,” Yakubu said. “This system has sped up the declaration of presidential election results, making the process more efficient.”

However, Yakubu’s comment of satisfaction with Ghana’s election process has ignited curiosity as many Nigerians attack him for being a corrupt INEC chairman.

@Jenslaw- “Is someone kidding me right now? Ghana learned from the sham INEC orchestrated in Nigeria in the name of elections? No way. Ghana is 101% ahead of Nigeria.” @ Adewale- “Mr Yakubu have some shame fgs.” @Queen Bee – “Shame on you, shameless Mahmood Yakubu, you will never go unpunished.”

@General- “You no go see peace, sir, amen.” @Daiskar – “😀😀😀 Is there no shame in @inecnigeria guidelines? @Oluwatobi – “God punish you, Mahmood.” @Victoria – “Stop this nonsense comparison; Ghana is not our mate, period.”