Activist Mahdi Shehu has called for the resignation of the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing allegations of bias and misconduct that he says are undermining public trust in the electoral body.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Shehu accused the INEC chairman of actions that have damaged the credibility of the commission. He warned that continued silence on the matter could further erode confidence in Nigeria’s electoral institution.
“The situation surrounding the commission’s leadership is serious,” Shehu stated. “Either BAT and Amupitan do not understand the gravity of the situation surrounding the INEC chairman’s current scandal, or they are testing the patience of Nigerians.”
Shehu criticised what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s silence on growing calls for the chairman’s removal. “BAT has decided to remain silent and mute on the genuine calls for the INEC chairman to resign in the overriding interest of democracy,” he wrote.
The activist alleged that the INEC chairman had been involved in controversial actions linked to his social media activity, including claims about changes to his X account and questions about past political expression. Shehu claimed the electoral chief had attempted to defend himself by denying ownership of certain online accounts and suggesting impersonation, adding that such explanations were unconvincing.
“INEC chairman may deploy all the tactics at his disposal but resign he will because there is no option to that,” Shehu asserted. “If Tinubu refuses to sack INEC chairman, he will lose more than INEC which may not be his wish.”
Shehu warned that if the INEC chairman refuses to step down, he risks losing far more than his position, just as President Tinubu may also suffer political consequences. “In the end, both men stand to lose, as growing public anger continues to overshadow the situation. It is only a matter of time, as many Nigerians have already lost trust and confidence in the INEC chairman, viewing him as biased, lacking integrity, and failing to uphold the ethical standards expected of his profession.”
He concluded with a reference to legal principle: “He who goes to equity must go with clean hands.”
The call for the INEC chairman’s resignation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral processes following the 2023 general elections, which were marred by technical glitches and allegations of irregularities. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between electoral authorities and segments of the Nigerian public over the integrity of the country’s democratic institutions.
As pressure mounts on both the INEC leadership and the presidency, observers note that the outcome of this standoff could have significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic trajectory and the public’s faith in electoral outcomes.
