2023: I doubt if INEC can guarantee credible elections – Chidi Odinkalu

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, has said he doubts if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can guarantee credible election in 2023.

Odinkalu, who was speaking on the 2023 elections and the challenges facing Nigeria, made the observation during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.

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The former NHRC boss claimed that INEC cannot safely deploy election workers to many parts of the country because of insecurity.

He said, “Much to my regret, I don’t think the current INEC is securing Nigerians by being honest. I really have my doubt as to whether the current INEC can deliver credible elections under the current leadership. I say that with much regret, but I will give you my reason.

“Now you have listened to President Buhari say that he will guarantee the credibility of the next elections next year and is exhibit number one. Under Nigerian law, the president does not have the capacity to guarantee any election that is not his business at all.

“The fact that the president can say that he can guarantee the integrity of the next year’s elections is a reason to know that INEC is not independent. And INEC has not said a word on the fact that the president has effectively expropriated its responsibility. The only entity under Nigerian law that can or should guarantee elections is INEC.

“Number two, as we speak, there are many parts of Nigeria in which INEC cannot safely deployed election workers. I can mention a few places, but that is not necessary. The governor of Kaduna State has written to the president to say that Ansaru, for instance, is establishing a parallel government taxing people in some parts of Kaduna State.”