Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has expressed concern over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must restore public confidence in its ability to conduct free and fair elections.
Speaking during an interview on Mic On with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, the human rights lawyer alleged that the electoral commission, under its current leadership, has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to credible elections.
According to Odinkalu, the trajectory towards the 2027 general election raises concerns that electoral outcomes could be predetermined rather than decided by voters.
He argued that election manipulation has remained a recurring feature of Nigeria’s political history, warning that if reforms are not implemented, future elections could lose their democratic essence.
“INEC does not have to go through the charade of an election. They can simply write the results,” Odinkalu said, maintaining that his comments were based on what he described as observable trends in the country’s electoral process.
The former NHRC chairman also cited recent elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), arguing that they raised questions about the electoral commission’s commitment to transparency and credibility.
Beyond the electoral process, Odinkalu cautioned against the proposed establishment of state police, warning that the initiative could be exploited by state governments for political purposes instead of improving internal security.
He expressed fears that governors could deploy state-controlled security structures to influence elections, insisting that similar concerns have been documented in previous government reports on policing reforms.
To support his position, Odinkalu referenced the M.D. Yusuf Presidential Commission on Police Reform and the Parry Osayande Committee Report, arguing that both highlighted the potential risks associated with decentralising policing without adequate safeguards.
He also recalled the creation of the Bakassi Boys vigilante group in Anambra State, warning that institutionalising state-controlled security outfits without strong oversight could produce similar consequences.
Odinkalu urged stakeholders to prioritise electoral integrity and security sector reforms capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general election.
