Renowned Nigerian legal scholar and rights activist Professor Chidi Odinkalu ignited fierce debate on January 5, 2026, claiming President Bola Tinubu does not require voters' support to retain power in 2027, but rather the backing of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and judiciary. The provocative statement, shared widely on Instagram and Facebook, critiques Nigeria's electoral system's alleged lack of accountability ahead of the next polls.
Odinkalu asserted in a viral video: "Tinubu does not need Nigerian's votes to be President. Tinubu needs INEC and Judges to give him a result," highlighting perceived institutional biases that overshadow genuine voter will. He frames this as a systemic issue where electoral outcomes depend more on official pronouncements than ballots.
The remark surfaces amid rising 2027 election tensions, including Nyesom Wike's Rivers State maneuvers and APC internal clashes, fueling opposition narratives of manipulated democracy. Nairaland forums erupted with discussions, labeling it a "blistering claim" on Nigeria's political elite.
Social media platforms like X and Instagram amplified the clip, drawing applause from critics and condemnation from APC supporters who decry it as undermining trust in institutions. Odinkalu, a former National Human Rights Commission chair, leverages his platform to challenge electoral integrity.