300k Nigerians Urge US, Canada, UK, EU to Revoke INEC Chairman Yakubu's Visas

An online petition calling on the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and European Union authorities to cancel the visas of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has gained over 316,071 signatures as of the time of this report. The petitioners are alleging that Yakubu rigged last Saturday's presidential election in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu.

The initiator of the petition, identified as Osusu, said that the petition was started because Yakubu refused to do the will of the people. "I am so very excited to see like-minded people. So grateful guys. Let's keep sharing," he added.

INEC declared Tinubu as the president-elect on Wednesday morning, after he polled 8,794,726 votes to win the 2023 presidential election. Tinubu won the election ahead of other contenders, including the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

However, the Labour Party has rejected the result of the election, alleging rigging by the INEC, Nigeria’s electoral body. The party has vowed to challenge Tinubu’s victory in court. The National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, in a statement, described the election outcome as a rape of democracy in the country. Abure also claimed that the results were manipulated after the people voted for the candidates of their choice.

The online petition is a reflection of the growing discontent among some Nigerians over the conduct of the election. The petitioners are calling on the international community to take action against Yakubu, who they believe was complicit in the alleged rigging of the election.

The petition, if successful, could have serious implications for Yakubu, who would be unable to travel to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Europe. However, it remains to be seen whether the international authorities will take any action in response to the petition.

Meanwhile, there have been calls for calm and restraint in the aftermath of the election. Many Nigerians are hoping that the country can move forward and address the numerous challenges facing it, including insecurity, corruption, and economic instability.

It is also worth noting that the outcome of the presidential election is still subject to legal challenge. The Labour Party has vowed to challenge the result in court, and other opposition parties may also decide to challenge the outcome.