Human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu has expressed doubts about the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, to conduct credible elections in 2027.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Monday, Odinkalu criticised the commission’s performance in the recently concluded council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declaring that “INEC failed.”
He said the conduct of the polls, particularly issues surrounding logistics and coordination in the nation’s capital, showed serious shortcomings. According to him, the commission’s handling of the exercise was so poor that it undermined public confidence in its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Odinkalu also faulted INEC for reassigning voters to different polling units without adequately notifying them before election day, describing the move as badly managed and disruptive.
When asked whether it was premature to judge Amupitan, who was appointed late last year, the lawyer maintained that the INEC chairman had prior experience overseeing elections, including a governorship poll in Anambra State, and therefore should be held accountable for lapses.
He urged the electoral body to acknowledge its shortcomings and apologise to Nigerians rather than dismiss concerns. According to Odinkalu, a credible electoral commission must show a willingness to accept responsibility, learn from mistakes, and engage non-partisan citizens to address identified problems.
While noting that Nigerians do not expect perfection, he stressed that they deserve clear evidence of commitment to improving electoral administration and ensuring transparent, credible elections.
