Jonathan Warns Courts Could Undermine Nigeria’s Democracy Ahead of 2027 Elections

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]The judiciary will do their work, but they should not declare any candidate.

[00:00:05]If they are not satisfied with the process of the elections, annul that elections, let the people go back to the field.

[00:00:16]>> [applause] >> As concerns over the credibility of Nigeria's electoral process continue to grow ahead of the 2027 general elections, former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that the country's democracy risks further decline if the court continue to determine electoral winners instead of voters. Jonathan gave the warning at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Abuja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association held at the NBA House in Abuja with the theme safeguarding Nigeria's democratic process. The former president expressed concern over the increasing number of election-related litigations after polls, noting that many politicians now approach the court with the belief that judicial decisions can overturn the mandate of voters. He maintained that in cases where substantial irregularities are proven, courts should order fresh elections rather than declare winners.

[00:01:09]>> But they go to court simply because we believe that the judiciary could be manipulated to declare people who ordinarily supposed not to win election as those who have won the election.

[00:01:23]And that's why the keynote speaker did mention about something I've already been saying that we must change our laws.

[00:01:34]The judiciary will do their work, but they should not declare any candidate.

[00:01:39]If they are not satisfied with the process of the elections, annul that elections, let the people go back to the field.

[00:01:51]>> [applause] >> Let the ballot decide who win at the level of House of Assembly at the state level, House of Reps, Senate, governor or president.

[00:02:04]When we start doing that, and people will know that they cannot manipulate the judiciary or use the judiciary to return people who couldn't have won the election, the number of cases will drop significantly.

[00:02:16]Also speaking at the event, former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, described Nigeria's democracy as being at a critical stage, warning that public confidence in the electoral process continues to weaken.

[00:02:28]Adoke identified persistent issues such as vote buying, electoral violence, low voter turnout, and weak internal party democracy as major threats to credible elections in the country. He further cautioned against what he described as excessive dependence on the judiciary in settling political disputes, saying the trend was gradually reducing the influence of citizens in deciding electoral outcomes. A closer examination of our polity will reveal that Nigeria stands at democracy's precarious crossroads.

[00:03:00]It's been 27 years since the 1999 constitution heralded civil civilian rule and vested sovereignty in the people. Yet, trust in the electoral process continues to erode perilously.

[00:03:18]The 2023 general election claimed 89 lives amidst violence, recorded dismal 27% voter turnout, the lowest since 1999, and left INEC, the electoral management body's credibility, shattered.

[00:03:38]As reported in the 2023 European Union Election Observation Mission's final report, vote buying infected 40% of the vote 40% of the voters, according to Yaga Africa's Nigerian election parallel vote tabulation and incident report 2023.

[00:04:00]Well, presidential election petition tribunal delayed 12 months beyond the 180-day constitutional limit under section 285 subsection 6 of the 1999 constitution as amended.

[00:04:14]According to INEC according to INEC 2023 general elections tribunal report 2024, constituting grave constitutional infractions. Chairman of the NBA Abuja branch, Steve O. Emelieze, questioned whether Nigeria's electoral process still inspires confidence locally and internationally, stressing that democracy can only thrive where integrity, transparency, and the rule of law are protected.

[00:04:41]>> Can we, in all good conscience, say that our electoral process inspire confidence both locally and internationally?

[00:04:49]What becomes of a nation where the sanctity of the ballot is persistently questioned? And perhaps more importantly, what is the role of the legal profession in reversing this trajectory?

[00:05:04]Democracy does not thrive on mere rhetoric. It is sustained by integrity, transparency, accountability, and the unwavering respect for the rule of law.

[00:05:17]Elections and the cornerstone of democracy must not only be conducted, they must be seen to be transparent, free, fair, credible, and beyond reproach.

[00:05:31]Yet, experience has shown us that electoral integrity is not a given. It must be fought for, defended, and institutionalized.

[00:05:41]The event also featured discussions on the need for stronger democratic institutions, electoral accountability, and reforms aimed at restoring public trust in Nigeria's democracy ahead of the next general elections.