‘Nigeria’s Democracy At Risk If INEC Fails To Act Fairly’ Mahdi Shehu Warns

A public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy could be at risk of collapse if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fails to act impartially and responsibly in the lead-up to the 2027 general election.

In a post shared on X, Shehu likened the electoral body to a wildlife conservationist, whose primary duty is to protect vulnerable resources. He noted that INEC is constitutionally mandated to safeguard the rights of voters and political actors.

According to him, by constitutional and legal provisions, INEC is like a forest and wildlife conservationist, whose role is to protect the system and those within it because of their vulnerability.

He explained that Nigerian voters, much like forest resources, rely on INEC for protection, stressing that the commission is expected to apply electoral laws fairly and without bias at all times.

However, Shehu expressed concern that the commission may be deviating from this responsibility. Using an analogy, he said it becomes dangerous when the conservationist turns to acquiring a hunting gun and an axe, warning that such a shift would expose both the system and its participants.

He further alleged that through its actions, inactions, and reactions, INEC appeared to be showing bias. He accused the commission of taking sides and displaying reluctance in complying with certain court orders, while interpreting others in ways that favour particular interests. This, he said, suggested a transformation from an impartial umpire to a voter- and opposition-man-hunting vampire.

Shehu also raised concerns about developments ahead of the next election cycle, including what he described as a poorly timed voters’ revalidation exercise, which he warned could disenfranchise eligible voters.

“INEC and the masquerades behind it should be held responsible if anything goes wrong with the upcoming 2027 elections, particularly disenfranchising voters through the ill-advised and wrongly timed VOTERS REVALIDATION and the FORCEFUL exit of opposition parties through the use of tricks and hiding behind court orders,” he wrote.

He further alleged attempts to edge opposition parties out of the political space through what he described as manipulative tactics and the strategic use of court rulings, warning that such actions could erode public trust in the electoral process.

“INEC and the masquerades behind it should be held responsible if anything goes wrong with the upcoming 2027 elections,” he said.

The commentator maintained that Nigeria’s democracy remained fragile and vulnerable to further strain.

“Already, Nigeria’s democracy is the most fragile in the world, and the moment it is lost, then everybody in Nigeria will become a sure loser,” he added.