Prominent legal scholar Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu has alleged that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan’s recent decision to withdraw recognition from David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) stemmed from undue pressure linked to a pre-signed resignation letter.
In a post on X late Wednesday, Odinkalu said, “I have it on the most impeccable authority that there is a pre-signed resignation letter by Chairman Amupitan. It was a pre-condition for his appointment.
Ultimately, that had to be called in aid by those who persuaded him to issue this release. The threat of releasing it did the magic.”
Odinkalu further noted that the INEC decision came just 60 hours after senior INEC officials met with the Presidency, Court of Appeal justices, and the Federal High Court.
He criticized INEC for interpreting an appellate court judgment, stressing that “It is not the business of INEC to interpret the decision of the Court of Appeal.
Any ambiguity should have been referred back to the court for clarification.”
Beyond the immediate controversy, Odinkalu warned that the move could signal a “grand plan” to influence the 2027 general elections by limiting political competition.
He alleged coordination between INEC, elements within the judiciary, and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to exclude viable opposition candidates, leaving only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a permitted rival, citing political influence from Nyesom Wike.
“The credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process—and potentially the stability of the country—could be at risk if these allegations prove true,” Odinkalu said. “That will not be much of an election.”
Odinkalu’s remarks have intensified concerns about institutional boundaries, due process, and Nigeria’s democratic outlook ahead of the 2027 polls.
