Professor Yakubu Mahmood, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, has denied reports that he could buy the ruling All Progressives Congress' presidential nomination and expression of interest form for N100 million (APC).
Yakubu remains an umpire devoted to free, fair, and credible elections, according to a statement made by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Yekanmi.
Following the decision of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, said it would not be surprising if the Chairman of INEC bought the N100 million presidential nomination.
However, Yakubu said that it was a ridiculous proposal that would not happen.
"Our attention has been brought to innuendoes in some places that Nigerians should not be shocked if the INEC Chairman enters or wants him to enter the Presidential contest." It's a farce. It's not going to happen. The Chairman continues to be an umpire dedicated to free, fair, and credible elections. His constitutional responsibilities as the Federation's Chief Electoral Commissioner and Returning Officer for the presidential election are already taxing enough for him to consider deviating from the law, morality, or his own values."
The Chairman will continue to carry out his duties without regard to any political party or candidate. "