In the last couple of weeks, the appeal court has upturned many electoral victories. This situation, which is likely to continue in the coming weeks, has raised questions regarding the integrity of the Nigerian electoral system and the judiciary. KINGSLEY ALUMONA sampled the opinions of some Nigerians on this matter. Their views:
Muftau Gbadegesin
I do not have a problem with court upturning election verdicts. We all know the irregularities and manipulations associated with the elections. In many cases, seeking redress in court becomes the only way for most candidates to get justice. Unfortunately, the electoral umpire has not lived up to its expectations. So, when courts upturn electoral results that are marred with irregularity, what do we call that? Is that not justice? Surprisingly, the inconsistency of the judiciary has called for sober reflection. Today, the temple of justice is no longer predictable. The Judiciary must not undermine democracy. Rather, it should strengthen it.
AbdulAzeez AbdulMaleek
The unfolding events in the election petition tribunals and the appeal court verdicts post-2023 elections in the country highlight the deepening roots of Nigeria’s democracy in principles and rule of law. Judges transcended public sentiments and mob pressure, impartially deciding cases before them. Instances abound where the ruling party loses seats to the opposition and vice versa. The current National Assembly reflects a departure from the traditional two-party dominance, fostering diverse perspectives and enhancing democratic choices. This evolution underscores the maturation of Nigeria’s democratic processes and the judiciary’s commitment to upholding fairness and legality in the electoral landscape.
Hashim Amao
Concerns and sentiments could have ensued after the recent tribunal judgements across the nation, but one bitter fact is that law and politics do not deal with emotions. Inasmuch a candidate or a political party makes errors that the opposing candidate or party can capitalise on and raise in court, the court would continue to pass verdicts in support of the smartest candidate or party. This does not pose any risk to our democracy. It only further affirms the fact that there is no sentiment in politics.
Luqman Abdulazeez
It is an attestation to the fact that our democracy is flawed, with our electoral umpires and judicial system incompetent and highly corruptible. We are a supposed democratic nation, but our judiciary — countless times — has proven to be a puppet to the highest bidders.
Raji Amao
No human being is perfect and we are bound to make mistakes. What the courts are doing is not wrong as regards the enhancement of our elections towards the success of our democracy. There is a law called the Slip Rule Application. The upper court has the power to change the errors or mistakes that occur in the judgment delivered in Kano. We do have to understand how the law operates in connection with the success of the administration of justice in Nigeria. The rule of law is a pillar that democracy needs to sustain itself.
Wonderful Adegoke
The rate the appeal court is overturning election verdicts in Nigeria raises serious concerns for the future of democracy. It questions the impartiality and independence of the judiciary and calls into doubt the rule of law. While it is important for the courts to have the power to review decisions, it must not undermine democracy or erode public trust. The judiciary must ensure fairness and justice, and uphold due process to safeguard democracy for all. However, it is up to the judiciary to ensure that it remains a fair and impartial arbiter of justice. Without this, democracy cannot thrive and Nigerians deserve better.
Arowolo Adam
The upturning of election verdicts by the appeal court is good for our democracy. Elections should be won based on free and fair processes. Sometimes the electoral body, INEC, fails to uphold the standards. The upturning of some electoral victories in some states favoured both the opposition and the ruling party. This would send a message to politicians who win elections through undemocratic ways that the court would always have the last judgment. I hope our courts would remain uncompromised.
Akintayo Kehinde
Since legal procedures guide the electoral process, it is pertinent for political candidates and parties to uphold the guidelines. However, once these guidelines are flouted, there is nothing wrong if the courts pass verdicts to correct the anomalies. It only shows that our judicial arm of government is effective and deserves kudos.
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