Mahdi Shehu, a Nigerian activist, used his X account on Monday to demand the resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, accusing him of bias and misconduct. Shehu warned that the commission's credibility was at risk and that silence on the issue could further erode public confidence. He wrote, "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 also criticised President Bola Tinubu's silence, stating, "BAT has decided to remain silent and mute on the genuine calls for the INEC chairman to resign in the overriding interest of democracy."
The activist alleged that the INEC chief had been linked to controversial social‑media activity, including disputed claims about changes to his X account and alleged impersonation. Shehu said the chairman's denials were unconvincing and added, "INEC chairman may deploy all the tactics at his disposal but resign he will because there is no option to that." He warned that if Tinubu refused to remove the chairman, both men could suffer political fallout, noting that many Nigerians already view the INEC head as biased and lacking integrity.
Mahdi Shehu's blunt call for the INEC chairman's resignation puts the electoral boss directly at odds with President Bola Tinubu, whose silence he portrays as a political gamble.
The demand surfaces amid accusations that the INEC chief has misused social‑media platforms, denying ownership of certain accounts and suggesting impersonation. Shehu's reference to "BAT and Amupitan" underscores a perception that senior politicians are either unaware of or indifferent to the scandal, amplifying doubts about the commission's impartiality.
For ordinary Nigerians, the controversy threatens confidence in any forthcoming elections, especially if the perceived bias persists. Voters who already distrust the electoral body may become disengaged, potentially lowering turnout and questioning the legitimacy of results.
This episode reflects a broader pattern of contested credibility surrounding Nigeria's electoral institutions, where allegations of partisanship and opaque leadership decisions repeatedly surface ahead of major polls.
