Mahmoud Yakubu Urges Nigerian Youths to Defend Democracy – Dino Melaye Fights Back

INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu reportedly urged Nigerian youths to rise and defend democracy, a statement that has ignited fierce backlash. According to posts on X, many Nigerians view Yakubu’s call as hypocritical, given his controversial tenure overseeing elections marred by allegations of rigging.

One user, @OfficialAzzaki, labeled Yakubu as someone who “destroyed our democracy,” reflecting widespread distrust in his leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).Senator Dino Melaye, a vocal critic of Yakubu, was praised in the same X post for standing up against the INEC chairman. Melaye, a former PDP senator, has a history of challenging Yakubu’s integrity, notably accusing him in 2023 of rigging the presidential election for the APC by announcing results prematurely, as reported by Daily Post Nigeria.

Melaye’s criticisms echo broader sentiments about INEC’s credibility under Yakubu, with past elections, like the 2023 Kogi governorship race where Melaye lost, facing allegations of manipulation, as noted in posts on X and Wikipedia.However, Yakubu’s alleged statement lacks direct confirmation from official sources, raising questions about its authenticity.

Is this a genuine call for democratic participation, or a strategic move to deflect criticism amid INEC’s tarnished reputation? Yakubu’s history, including Melaye’s 2023 claim of Yakubu’s life being at risk, a claim debunked by FactCheckHub—suggests a pattern of controversial narratives surrounding his leadership.

Meanwhile, Melaye’s activism, while celebrated by some, is often seen as self-serving, given his own political losses and scandals, as detailed by BBC News.This clash underscores Nigeria’s fragile democratic trust, with Yakubu’s words fueling debate rather than unity. As tensions rise, Nigerians await clarity on INEC’s role in future elections.

Same Mahmoud Yakubu saying Nigerian Youths should Rise to Defend our Democracy. Someone who destroyed our Democracy.

Thanks to Senator Dino @_dinomelaye 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/UZ3JD95Jcz

— Abba Jidda. (@OfficialAzzaki) April 22, 2025