Professor Pat Utomi has criticised the growing role of Nigeria’s judiciary in determining electoral outcomes, warning that history will ultimately judge those involved in decisions that, in his view, weaken the authority of voters.
Utomi spoke at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, where concerns over the increasing judicialisation of Nigeria’s electoral process dominated discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The political economist argued that elections should serve as a legitimate means through which citizens choose their leaders, rather than a process whose final outcomes are routinely determined in courtrooms.
He warned that when citizens lose confidence in elections and democratic institutions, frustration could deepen and have wider consequences for the stability of the country.
“If the people are convinced that there is no point, what is an election?” Utomi asked, stressing that elections must be credible enough to confer legitimacy on those elected.
His comments came amid growing concern over the number of election disputes that end up before the courts. Former Nigerian Bar Association President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, similarly said Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of election petitions and expressed concern about the courts increasingly determining electoral outcomes.
Osigwe described the development as the “judicialisation of the electoral process”, arguing that the courts should not gradually assume a role that fundamentally belongs to voters.
Nigerian Guild of Editors President, Eze Anaba, also called for stronger protection of the credibility of the ballot, saying credible elections would reduce situations in which courts become the ultimate arbiters of who represents the people.
Utomi further warned that weak institutions and declining confidence in the electoral system could have consequences beyond elections, urging journalists, lawyers and other stakeholders to play their part in protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The interventions at the conference come as political parties and stakeholders prepare for the 2027 general elections, with renewed calls for reforms aimed at ensuring that electoral mandates are determined primarily by voters at the ballot box.
