September 21, 2024 – Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has issued a stern warning regarding the ongoing Edo governorship election. He cautioned that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) mishandles the election, it could have serious repercussions for Nigeria as a whole.
Odinkalu emphasized Edo’s strategic importance, stating, “If Mahmood Yakubu and INEC mess with #EdoDecides2024, all of Nigeria will suffer. There is hardly anywhere you can go in Nigeria without passing through Edo.”
His comments, made on social media, reflect concerns about potential disruptions during the election process. This warning follows a previous criticism directed at INEC’s chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. In response, Kamson Chidubem of the Civic Integrity Initiative accused Odinkalu of biased criticism.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also weighed in on the situation, urging INEC and security agencies to uphold neutrality. He reminded them of their “moral burden” to act as “independent arbiters” throughout the election.
The Edo governorship election is contested by 17 candidates, who are vying for the support of 2.2 million registered voters, aiming to succeed the current governor, Godwin Obaseki.
As the election unfolds, many are watching closely to see how INEC will manage the process and ensure a fair outcome.
