Professor Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has argued that INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu’s documented statements about Fulanis and Muslims in his writings on alleged Christian genocide disqualify him from serving as an impartial electoral umpire.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Professor Yusuf questioned how he could expect fair treatment in elections administered by someone who has expressed what he characterized as anti-Fulani and anti-Muslim views. “You need to read what he was saying about—the Fulanis, my people. You need to read about what he’s saying about the Muslims in that book. And how can I get a fair outcome if I stand in an election with such umpire? I am Muslim and I am Fulani,” he said.
The former NHIS executive highlighted the rigorous vetting process required for the INEC chairman position, including screening by intelligence services, Senate confirmation, and presidential approval. According to Professor Yusuf, these multiple layers of scrutiny make it implausible that Amupitan’s controversial writings went unnoticed.
He noted that Professor Amupitan has never publicly retracted or clarified his documented positions on Christian persecution, allowing those views to remain part of his record as he oversees national elections. “The position of the umpire of our election is a very serious position. It’s not a joke. He’s going to superintend over the election. And he came with these biases documented claims on Christian genocide, and he’s never spoken to refute what he said. So for the president to continue to hang on to the current INEC chairman means he’s not listening to the people,” Professor Yusuf stated.
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