The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has condemned recent statements made by former ministers Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its leadership. The youth organization described their remarks as an attempt to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral body and its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
According to the NDYC’s National Coordinator, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, the criticisms reflect the frustrations of individuals who cannot accept their diminished political influence. The organization defended INEC’s performance during the 2023 General Elections, asserting that the commission delivered credible results under difficult circumstances that accurately represented the electorate’s preferences.
The NDYC specifically highlighted what it perceives as El-Rufai’s inconsistency, noting his previous endorsement of the electoral process when outcomes aligned with his political interests. The organization suggested that his current position stems from disappointment over his exclusion from the present administration rather than genuine concerns about electoral integrity.
Regarding Amaechi’s statements, the NDYC attributed his criticisms to political marginalization within his party and declining influence in the current political landscape. The organization argued that both individuals lack substantive evidence to support their claims against INEC.
The NDYC emphasized the importance of protecting democratic institutions from what it characterized as politically motivated attacks. The organization called upon both former ministers to cease their criticisms and allow INEC to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities without interference. The statement concluded with an appeal for Nigerians to maintain confidence in the electoral commission and resist attempts by disgruntled politicians to compromise institutional credibility for personal gain.