Trending 
13th July 2026
Renowned human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, has alleged that Nigeria’s political system has evolved to a point where politicians depend more on judicial decisions than on the electorate to secure and retain power.
Odinkalu made the remark while commenting on Nigeria’s electoral process, arguing that confidence in elections continues to decline because many electoral contests are ultimately determined in courtrooms rather than at the ballot box.
According to him, the growing perception that election outcomes are increasingly shaped by judicial pronouncements has weakened public trust in democratic institutions and discouraged voter participation.
He argued that in a healthy democracy, the will of the people, freely expressed through credible elections, should be the ultimate determinant of political leadership. However, he warned that when politicians focus more on winning legal battles than convincing voters, democracy itself is placed under strain.
The senior advocate noted that Nigeria has witnessed numerous high-profile election disputes over the years, with governorship, legislative and presidential elections frequently ending in prolonged litigation. While acknowledging the constitutional role of the judiciary in resolving electoral disputes, he stressed that courts should remain arbiters of the law rather than perceived deciders of political mandates.
Odinkalu further emphasized the need to strengthen the independence and credibility of electoral institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure that election results accurately reflect the choices made by voters.
His comments come amid ongoing national conversations about electoral reforms, judicial independence and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts say the remarks are likely to reignite debate over the role of election tribunals and appellate courts in determining electoral outcomes. Supporters of judicial intervention argue that the courts provide a constitutional mechanism for correcting electoral irregularities, while critics contend that excessive reliance on litigation undermines the sanctity of the ballot.
As preparations for the next general elections gather momentum, Odinkalu’s comments add to growing calls from civil society organizations, legal experts and political stakeholders for comprehensive electoral reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
