By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka
Abuja
Constitutional lawyer and principal partner at Chinenye Chambers, Amobi Nzelu, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not lived up to expectations in Nigeria, warning the electoral body against pushing the country “into a precipice.”
Speaking in an interview, Nzelu argued that INEC, like other institutions, reflects the broader challenges facing the nation. He cautioned that with over 200 million Nigerians at stake, any misstep could have severe regional consequences, including a refugee crisis that would “overrun other West African countries.”
The senior lawyer also faulted what he described as judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties. Citing legal precedent from 1983, he maintained that courts traditionally lacked power over domestic party matters, but said recent trends suggest the judiciary has “entered the arena” to determine party leadership and candidacies.
Nzelu alleged that political parties are being destabilized by “moles” planted to disrupt their operations, citing the PDP and ADC as examples. He claimed such interference muzzles opposition voices and undermines democracy, which he described as a tool for development that “throws up” hidden societal flaws when misused.
He further criticized the National Assembly, describing the Senate as a “rubber stamp” and “an extension of the executive.” He pointed to the swift approval of a $6 billion loan request as evidence, arguing that the legislature “can do bloody nothing” to check executive excesses.
On appointments, Nzelu said current government selections do not reflect Nigeria’s diversity, adding that democracy should remind leaders of their duty to citizens. He stressed that the real battle is not between parties but “between Nigerian people” struggling to survive, with 80% unsure of their next meal.
The lawyer revealed he wrote a 14-page letter to the President in 2025, urging him to reject corruption and evil. He recalled a time when N41 could see a student through secondary school and N250 was sufficient for a young lawyer, contrasting it with today’s hardship.
Nzelu called for urgent attention to national security, questioning the timing of plans to rehabilitate 500 alleged Boko Haram members less than nine months to an election. He warned that such persons could become informants and insisted that “anybody with blood DNA of violence cannot change.”
He appealed to the President to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians, noting that many young people cannot marry or secure jobs without political connections. “You end up in bed with a man,” he said, describing compromises women face to gain employment.
Concluding, Nzelu said Nigeria needs a leader who will “say no to this nonsense,” adding that once the head stops stealing, “everybody will sit up.” He maintained that security, credible elections, and institutional independence are critical to preventing bloodshed and national collapse.
