By Gabriel Ani
ABUJA, Nigeria — A prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer and former National Human Rights Commission chair, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, on Sunday urged First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to champion electoral reforms, warning that leadership cannot be conferred by wealth, violence or judicial maneuvering.
In a public post addressed to the first lady on X (formerly Twitter), Odinkalu drew a sharp distinction between “leaders” and “occupants of office,” arguing that genuine leadership derives from the will of the people, not from power acquired through money or force.
“There is a difference between a leader and an occupant of office,” Odinkalu wrote.
“Any burglar or brigand can occupy office by violence or with overwhelming money or with a mix of both. But that does not necessarily make the person a leader.”
Citing revered political figures whose deaths prompted public mourning, Odinkalu said Nigerians recognize authentic leadership when they see it.
“When Baba Jakande died, the people wept. They knew they had lost a leader,” he wrote, referring to the late Lagos governor Lateef Jakande.
He also cited former Imo State governor Sam Mbakwe and community leader Elizabeth Pam, saying their deaths elicited collective grief because of the bonds they forged with the people.
Odinkalu called on the first lady to press lawmakers and political leaders to halt what he described as efforts to subvert electoral outcomes through the courts.
“Please lead the campaign for credible elections,” he wrote, urging that elections be determined by “the votes of the people, not the votes of judges,” and insisting that “all votes must count.”
The lawyer appealed directly to senior legislators, naming Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the National Assembly, and urged them to “stop their chicanery” and end what he labeled a “coup against the people,” a phrase he used to describe alleged manipulation of electoral processes.
While acknowledging that the first lady has no formal obligation to act, Odinkalu warned that public patience is finite. He concluded with a scathing comparison to notorious armed robber Ishola Oyenusi, saying those who “rob and burglarize” the popular will should not expect public regard.
“Leadership entails a bond beyond what money can buy or what violence can steal,” Odinkalu wrote.
Netizens React
Reactions on X were swift and sharply divided.
“QED. Nothing to add sir,” wrote Joe (@Joejohnseen), a remark that helped propel the debate.
“We need to remove the armed robbers called APC,” said MPO (@NigGranny), steering the conversation toward partisan politics.
“Thank you Prof for a fantastic piece,” wrote Governor (@ReliableGov), while GOOD CITIZEN (@OchaduAchadu) added, “Great piece!”
Others urged the professor on. “Increase the volume Prof,” DON (@Donmillitex) wrote. “I echo the same, sir,” added Daniel Jackson (@j06137155).
Amid the clash, a handful of users responded with sarcasm, laughter emojis or brief dismissals, turning the thread into a broader spectacle that reflected the intensity-and volatility-of Nigeria’s digital public square.
As of press time the presidency and the National Assembly has not reacted.
