SUNTV Global Channel
July 12, 2026
Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and renowned human rights lawyer, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has voiced concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that the country’s electoral process could be reduced to a mere formality if urgent reforms are not undertaken.
Speaking during an interview on Mic On with journalist Seun Okinbaloye, Odinkalu argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under its current leadership, has yet to demonstrate a clear commitment to conducting elections that inspire public confidence.
According to him, the pattern of previous elections has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral system, warning that the trajectory toward the 2027 polls appears troubling.
“The trajectory of what could happen in 2027 is fairly predictable. INEC does not have to go through the charade of an election. They can write results,” Odinkalu stated.
He maintained that election manipulation has been a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s democratic process and stressed the need for electoral reforms capable of restoring public trust in the nation’s institutions.
Odinkalu also cited the conduct of recent elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as one of the factors that, in his view, has weakened public confidence in the electoral commission.
Beyond the electoral process, the senior lawyer expressed reservations over the proposed establishment of state police, warning that the initiative could be vulnerable to political abuse if adequate constitutional safeguards are not implemented.
He argued that governors could potentially use state-controlled security structures to influence electoral outcomes rather than strengthen public safety.
Referencing the Bakassi Boys vigilante group established in Anambra State in 2001, Odinkalu cautioned that similar security arrangements, if institutionalised without strong oversight, could pose significant risks to democratic governance and human rights.
He added that his concerns are based on documented historical experiences and findings contained in previous government reports on policing reforms.
Odinkalu concluded by urging Nigerian authorities to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that credible, transparent and accountable elections remain fundamental to sustaining democracy.
