Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and human rights activist, Professor Chidi Odinkalu (SAN), has declared that the new position by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), that no president or state governor will be able to influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections, does not in any material particular align with the public view concerning his actions so far.
Odinkalu specifically said that he vehemently disagreed with Amupitan’s latest position which he described as totally inconsistent with prevailing realities within Nigeria’s political and electoral environment.
Odinkalu in a statement shared via his official X handle, specifically questioned the feasibility of such a guarantee given the historical and ongoing concerns about electoral influence.
He further argued that while Amupitan’s statement may reflect an ideal aspiration for electoral integrity, it does not however, fully align with observed patterns in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Odinkalu noted that structural and institutional challenges have continue to raise concerns about the independence of electoral outcomes.
The INEC chairman, Prof. Amupitan had at a public engagement declared that no president or governor can influence that outcome of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan said; “The electoral process under my leadership will remain independent, transparent, and insulated from political interference. Neither the president nor governors would have the capacity to manipulate or determine electoral outcomes in 2027.
The INEC chairman’s declaration was intended to reassure citizens about the credibility of future elections.
However, the comment by Amupitan has generated widespread debate across Nigeria’s political and civic space.
In his reaction, Prof Odinkalu reignited discussions about the credibility of the electoral system and the role of key institutions in safeguarding democratic processes.
The rights activist’s remarks has further enriched ongoing public debates about whether Nigeria’s elections can truly be insulated from political pressure.
INEC on particular is facing scrutiny over its handling of electoral disputes and court rulings affecting political parties.
One of such controversies cited in public discourse involved the recognition and internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where legal interpretations have reportedly influenced leadership structures.
