Shameful, irresponsible, undemocratic — WoPU condemns diaspora protest against INEC Chairman at Chatham House, UK
London Incident Draws Criticism from Nigerian Movement
A recent incident in London has sparked strong condemnation from the Working People United (WoPU), a coalition of Nigerian workers, traders, artisans, and professionals. The movement expressed concern over actions taken against the head of Nigeria’s electoral body, describing them as detrimental to democratic values.
WoPU criticized the choice of Chatham House, a globally respected policy institute, as the stage for confrontations that could tarnish Nigeria’s image. According to the movement, such attempts to publicly undermine an electoral official do not bolster democracy but weaken it.
In defense of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), WoPU highlighted his commitment to electoral integrity. Under his leadership, INEC recently reported the removal of 1,609,553 invalid entries from the voters’ register, addressing discrepancies identified during the 2025/2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
The Commission announced plans to prosecute 54 individuals across 10 states for various electoral offenses, including multiple registrations and the use of false identification. WoPU asserted that these actions enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system and deserve recognition, rather than criticism.
Professor Yakubu has also introduced technological safeguards to prevent the upload of fraudulent results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal during the upcoming 2027 general elections, a move that has been positively noted by observers.
Moreover, the INEC Chairman has engaged stakeholders transparently, directly addressing public concerns. WoPU emphasized that responding to transparency with hostility sends an unfavorable message to public officials dedicated to accountability and reform.
The movement commended Professor Yakubu’s professionalism and integrity since taking office, arguing that constructive criticism and evidence-based engagement are vital for strengthening public institutions.
WoPU reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for people-centered governance, economic inclusion, social welfare, and national development. It plans to mobilize citizens through grassroots networks in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of Nigerians.
The organization also voiced support for government efforts related to worker welfare, job creation, poverty alleviation, and pension reforms, asserting these initiatives foster growing public confidence in the administration.
As some groups focus on disruption, WoPU stated that the government remains committed to implementing policies designed to improve the livelihoods of Nigerians. The movement concluded that the true measure of the administration will be determined by democratic participation and the ballot box.
About Working People United (WoPU)
Working People United is a diverse socio-political movement in Nigeria, composed of workers, traders, artisans, and professionals dedicated to promoting good governance, economic empowerment, social welfare, and national development.
