Table of Content
- Introduction
- Odinkalu's Comments
- Criticism of Yakubu
- Electoral Credibility Statistics
- Call to Action for New INEC Chairman
The former Director-General of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has expressed his belief that the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, will not oversee elections plagued by irregularities like those conducted under his predecessor, Mahmoud Yakubu.
Odinkalu made these remarks on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today.
He accused Yakubu's administration of perfecting the method of generating multiple results in elections, using the Edo governorship election as a reference.
“Josh will not manage an election like the one in Edo State, where there were four different results,” Odinkalu stated. “Mahmoud Yakubu perfected the practice of producing elections that resulted in four outcomes—one he announces, one on the IReV, another given to party agents, and another submitted in court. That’s criminal. He has brought elections and INEC into disrepute, and the new INEC chair will need to start addressing this issue.”
The rights activist also presented data to back up his assertion that electoral credibility declined under Yakubu.
He observed that in 2007, during Maurice Iwu's tenure, approximately 86.35% of election results ended up in court. However, this figure significantly decreased under Prof. Attahiru Jega, who managed the 2011 and 2015 elections.
“Jega reduced the number of election-related court cases from 86.35% in 2007 to 51% in 2011, and further to 44% in 2015. That reflects progress,” he remarked.
Odinkalu contended that the situation deteriorated under Yakubu, with election disputes once again on the rise. “By 2019, the figure climbed to 56.34%, and by 2023, it reached 83%. That indicates a significant issue—Mahmoud Yakubu has damaged INEC,” he asserted.
He urged the new INEC chairman to restore credibility in the electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Joash has a significant task ahead. While nobody expects flawless elections, he must begin to gradually address this decline so that by 2027, we won’t see over 80% of our elections ending up in court,” Odinkalu concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Prof. Chidi Odinkalu say about the new INEC chairman?
Prof. Chidi Odinkalu expressed confidence that the new INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, will not conduct elections with the same level of irregularities as those under his predecessor, Mahmoud Yakubu.
What issues did Odinkalu highlight regarding Yakubu's tenure?
Odinkalu criticized Yakubu for creating multiple results in elections, leading to a decline in electoral credibility. He provided statistics showing an increase in election disputes during Yakubu's leadership.
What does Odinkalu expect from the new INEC chairman?
Odinkalu expects the new INEC chairman to gradually improve the credibility of the electoral system, aiming to reduce the percentage of elections that go to court by the 2027 general elections.
