The Youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has strongly criticized former Transportation Minister Chibuike Amaechi following his recent attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. The organization’s response comes after Amaechi accused Yakubu of frustrating the registration of new political parties during a Channels Television appearance, describing the INEC chairman as “shameless” and comparing him unfavorably to former INEC chairman Professor Maurice Iwu.
Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, defended Yakubu’s performance, arguing that the INEC chairman has overseen some of Nigeria’s best elections since the return of democracy in 1999. Okwu highlighted that under Yakubu’s leadership, sitting governors have lost elections and re-election bids, demonstrating improved electoral credibility. He noted that most elections conducted by the commission have been validated by courts, with issues arising primarily from political party nomination problems rather than electoral administration.
The organization questioned Amaechi’s moral authority to criticize the current administration, suggesting his attacks stem from his preferred presidential candidate’s failure to win the 2023 election. Okwu further criticized Amaechi’s presidential ambitions within the African Democratic Congress, describing him as hypocritical for seeking the ticket while claiming to support zoning arrangements. The youth leader characterized Amaechi as a “desperado” whose anger stems from President Tinubu’s victory during the APC presidential primary.