Mixed reactions have trailed the call for prayers for the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The INEC chair has been subjected to severe backlash for allegedly manipulating the outcome of the 2022 general election.
Despite the outcomes of the Supreme Court verdict on the recently held presidential election, disgruntled loyalists of the opposition parties have alleged repeatedly that the INEC boss manipulated the election in favor of President Bola Tinubu.
Despite the blame game, a cross section of Nigerians on social media drummed for prayers for the INEC boss, noting that the elections were free and fair.
While loyalists of the opposition rained curses on Mahmood, a lady simply identified as Sidikot stated that “we should avoid blaming or cursing INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.”
She noted that “the opposition must take responsibility for dividing their votes.”
“Without doubt, the division among opposition parties raises questions about the effectiveness of their strategies. Don’t blame Mahmood Yakubu,” Sidikot added.
For Stephen on X, he noted that the INEC chair did his best and should not be blamed by any party who lost the election.
“Blaming individuals alone won’t solve the challenges in our electoral system. We need systemic improvements. Mahmood did his best,” Stephen stated.
For Lanrae, he noted that the introduction of BVAS and IREV reduced electoral rigging to a large extent.
“Mahmood Yakubu’s digital innovations like BVAS and IREV have made significant strides in reducing electoral rigging by 60%,” Lanrae stated.
While Dimiloju alleged that the call for prayers for the INEC boss has been spared by influencers who have been paid, he urged Nigerians to jettison the call for prayers for Mahmood.
Speaking partly in Pidgin and English, he said, “Abeg which Mahmood o, the one that gave us Tinubu or which one?
“All these so-called influencers are just jokers. There is nothing you would not accept to trend, even if it would take your life. God punish Mahmood.”
Emphasising Tinubu’s loss in some states in the southwest during the elections, Bigvhi stated that this could have only been possible due to the free and fair nature of the elections.
“Tinubu faced defeat in some states in the southwest, signaling the winds of change. Mahmood Yakubu’s reforms are reshaping the political landscape,” Bigvhi said.
Ayomide, argued that “governments and senators losing elections talk more about the effectiveness of Mahmood Yakubu’s reforms. We should pray for his continued efforts in strengthening our democracy.”
Lending her voice to the discussion, Moyin Ayo stated that the INEC chair did “his best”; therefore, he should not be blamed for the losses of the opposition.
“As a result of Mahmood Yakubu’s digital innovations, the electoral process has become more transparent and credible. Our prayers are with him as he continues to strengthen democracy,” Ayo prayed.
“Mahmood Yakubu is to be commended for his visionary leadership and tireless efforts to introduce game-changing reforms. The Nigerian elections have been transformed by BVAS,” Ayo added.
“NEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu did his best; any opposite ideas are wrong; the transparency and his credible work show,” Finere Bee argued.
She added that the chairman of the electoral umpire “needs prayer and not all these curses for conducting a credible election. ”
While Godwin Oyibode rained curses on the INEC chair, saying, “The blood of suffering Nigerians would be upon the INEC Chairman, who midwifed kangaroo elections,” Oyinkasola argued that the INEC boss “is leaving a strong legacy of a technologically advanced commission.”
