Nigeria’s Judiciary Faces Criticism Over Election Disputes and Public Trust

The judiciary in Nigeria is under intense scrutiny as the country celebrates 66 years of independence. Critics argue that the courts, once seen as the last hope for the common man, are now viewed by some politicians as a lost cause, especially regarding election disputes.

Many believe that conflicting judgments and legal technicalities are damaging public trust in the electoral process. This has led to the rise of the phrase “go to court,” which some politicians use to challenge their opponents, confident that the courts will favor them.

Since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999, the number of election petitions has skyrocketed. For instance, only two petitions were filed in 1999, but that number rose to nearly 2,000 in 2023. Courts have overturned the results of several elections, making judicial decisions a significant part of Nigeria’s electoral history.

John Cardinal Onaiyekan, a prominent religious leader, recently criticized the judiciary’s role in elections, stating that courts should only resolve disputes, not decide who wins. He emphasized the need for better election laws to prevent manipulation by politicians.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also expressed concerns about the current state of electoral justice, calling recent elections a “travesty.” He suggested that the judiciary has been compromised and that some judges may be influenced by wealth and power.

ActionAid, a nonprofit organization, highlighted issues of contradictory judgments in election cases, raising questions about the reliability of the judiciary. They pointed to specific cases that illustrate the confusion and inconsistency in judicial decisions.

As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, the debate continues over whether elections should be decided by voters at the polls or by court rulings. The challenge remains to strengthen the electoral process and restore public confidence in both the elections and the judiciary.