By Milcah Tanimu

Traditional rulers, represented by the Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC), have voiced their support for Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the United Kingdom (UK) to disregard calls for a visa ban on him by certain groups.

In a letter addressed to the British High Commissioner, notable traditional leaders including HRH Oba Adekunle Adeyemi (Adara of Adara, Ogun State), HRM King Alfred Prince Will (Amanyab of Bassambiri, Bayelsa State), His Eminence Emir Ahmed Yayale (Charanchi, Katsina State), HRH Alhaji Muhammad Bubu (Lushi Takololo, Bauchi State), HRH Eze Obinna Opoji (Ama of Amajuoyi Kingdom, Imo State), and HRH Alhaji Audu Eleje (Elejuku of Eluku, Kogi State) emphasized the baselessness of the accusations against Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

The letter, signed by the traditional council, denounced the allegations and attacks orchestrated by faceless groups such as the United Nigerians in Diaspora (UND), attributing them to disgruntled politicians who suffered defeat in the 2023 elections. The council highlighted the apparent agenda to sow discord among Nigerians.

Expressing their unwavering support for the INEC Chairman, the traditional rulers denounced the malicious attempts to tarnish his reputation and that of the electoral body. They praised the Yakubu-led INEC for its strides in conducting transparent and credible elections, citing advancements in technology such as biometric voter registration and electronic result transmission as evidence of progress.

The letter concluded by reaffirming the council’s rejection of the politically motivated allegations and their solidarity with the INEC Chairman in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.