By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Human rights lawyer and legal scholar, Chidi Odinkalu, has raised concerns over what he described as undue pressure influencing a recent statement issued by Nigeria’s electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In remarks shared on his X account on Monday, Odinkalu disclosed that the statement followed a high-level meeting involving senior officials of INEC, the Presidency of Nigeria, the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, and the Federal High Court of Nigeria within the past 60 hours.
He further alleged, citing what he described as “impeccable authority,” that a pre-signed resignation letter existed for INEC Chairman, Mahmood Amupitan, claiming it was a condition tied to his appointment.
According to Odinkalu, the possibility of invoking this resignation was used as leverage to compel the issuance of the controversial statement.
Odinkalu criticized INEC’s role in interpreting judicial decisions, arguing that it falls outside the commission’s mandate. He maintained that, in cases of ambiguity, the commission should have sought clarification directly from the Court of Appeal rather than issuing its own interpretation.
“It should be evident to a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria that interpreting court judgments is not the business of INEC,” he stated, emphasizing that adherence to due process is critical for institutional credibility.
The legal scholar warned that the situation reflects deeper tensions within Nigeria’s democratic framework, suggesting that the country faces a critical moment as it looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.
According to him, only those who understand the gravity of the unfolding developments will fully grasp the stakes involved in what he referred to as “NigeriaDecides2027.”
