Court rulings on candidates raise concerns over voters’ sovereignty

Detailed summary

The concerns come amid a series of court rulings affecting political parties’ nominations ahead of the 2027 general elections, including...

Nigeria’s growing reliance on the judiciary to determine candidates and winners of elections is raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral system, with analysts warning that court interventions could undermine public confidence in democracy and the people’s right to choose their leaders.

The concerns come amid a series of court rulings affecting political parties’ nominations ahead of the 2027 general elections, including the recent nullification of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s nomination as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, last week invalidated Atiku’s nomination and the David Mark-led ADC National Working Committee, ruling that the caretaker committee was unlawfully constituted.

The ADC has announced plans to appeal the judgment, which could affect the participation of one of the major opposition figures in the presidential election.

Analysts have warned that Atiku’s exclusion from the ballot could trigger widespread violence, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he commands significant political support.

The ruling has renewed debate about the extent to which judicial decisions should influence electoral outcomes and whether the courts are increasingly becoming the final arbiters of political power.

Other recent judgments have also affected candidates and party nominations.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, nullified Governor Hope Uzodimma’s nomination as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise former governor Rochas Okorocha as the authentic candidate.

In Niger State, the Federal High Court in Minna set aside the APC nomination for Mokwa/Lavun/Edati Federal Constituency in favour of Adamu Usman and directed the ADC to recognise Abubakar Shehu for Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Mashegu Federal…

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