Our Reporter, Abuja
Allegations of political pressure on Nigeria’s electoral body have intensified following claims by former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, that the Presidency of Nigeria may have wielded undue influence over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Odinkalu alleged that INEC’s recent statement on the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) followed a series of closed-door engagements involving top officials of the Commission, the Presidency, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, and the Federal High Court of Nigeria within the past 60 hours.
At the centre of his claims is an alleged “pre-signed resignation letter” tied to INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, which he said was a condition for his appointment. Odinkalu claimed that the threat of releasing the letter was used to compel the Commission’s position.
“I have it on the most impeccable authority that there is a pre-signed resignation letter by Chairman Amupitan. It was a pre-condition for his appointment,” he wrote, adding that “the threat of releasing it did the magic.”
The legal scholar further criticised INEC for what he described as an overreach in interpreting a judgment of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, insisting that the Commission lacks the legal mandate to do so.
“It should be evident… that it is not the business of INEC to interpret the decision of the Court of Appeal,” he stated, arguing that any uncertainty should have been addressed by returning to the court for clarification.
Odinkalu warned that the development raises serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections, particularly amid tensions surrounding the ADC.
“But that is not where we are now. The country stares down a barrel… only those willing to enable that, make peace with it, or dare it will be able to sniff the stakes,” he added.
Both INEC and the presidency are yet to officially responded to the allegations and claims. There has also been no independent confirmation of the existence of any pre-signed resignation letter.
INEC on Wednesday controversially de-recognised the David Mark-led NWC of the ADC and removed their names from its portal citing court orders over an alleged leadership crisis rocking the party.
