Veteran Nigerian singer and songwriter Charles Oputa, popularly called Charly Boy, has described the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the number one enemy of Nigeria.
The 73-year-old former TV presenter made the declaration in a post on his social media page on Thursday, June 29.
He accused the INEC chairman of squandering Nigeria’s financial resources on a flawed election earlier this year.
The activist also alleged that the INEC boss met with President Bola Tinubu before the elections in Lagos, where plans were made to rig the elections in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He wrote in pidgin English:
“The number one enemy of Nigeria/Nigerians, Mr Yakubu wey collect over N300+billion for the 2023 general elections but ended up selling the mandate to Tinubu.
“Una forget say Yakubu bin visit Tinubu for Lagos State some days before the 2023 general election for their finalization of the great rigging.
“Nigeria is fast becoming a Banana Republic. For the highest bidder? What nonsense.”
Bayero Lawal, a member of the APC presidential campaign council in the 2023 elections, replied Charly Boy. saying:
“My brother, make sure you have evidence on this allegation because we may soon ask for evidence at the court of law.”
Olatunde Davies Ogunbiyi also cautioned Charly Boy, saying:
“It is so misleading to post a very sensitive issue like this without evidence. Can you prove your submission beyond a reasonable doubt sir?
“If Tinubu has any motive to bribe Yakubu, he will do it in a very confidential way without inviting Yakubu to Lagos. Let’s avoid cheap lies.”
Sani Tukur, posed some questions for Charly Boy to answer:
“Is this how you rubbish a whole process just because your candidate came 3rd? This is not fair to keep vilifying someone for doing his job. Must Obi win before the process is credible?”
Recall that European Union observers had said Nigeria’s elections early this year were marred by problems that reduced public trust in electoral processes.
They also counselled that reforms to enhance transparency and accountability are needed to ensure electoral integrity in future.
