Former NHRC boss warns claim, if true, could undermine public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system as INEC remains silent

A former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has alleged that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, signed a pre-dated resignation letter as a condition for his appointment.

Odinkalu made the claim while commenting on issues of governance and the independence of electoral institutions in Nigeria, sparking renewed concerns over the autonomy of the country’s electoral body.

According to him, any arrangement that subjects the leadership of INEC to prior conditions—particularly one involving a pre-signed resignation—could significantly weaken the commission’s independence and expose it to political pressure.

He stressed that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections is closely tied to the perceived neutrality and impartiality of the electoral umpire, warning that even the suggestion of external influence could erode public confidence in the democratic process.

Odinkalu further called for transparency and accountability in the appointment and operation of electoral officials, noting that trust in democratic institutions must be protected to sustain credible elections.

As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor its chairman, Prof. Yakubu, has issued an official response to the allegation.

The claim has since triggered debate among political analysts, civil society groups, and other stakeholders, many of whom have called for clarification to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.