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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has called for a reduction in the role of the judiciary in Nigeria’s electoral process, arguing that courts should not be left to determine winners of elections.

Falana made the call on Wednesday while speaking on Arise Television’s Sunrise Daily, warning that excessive judicial intervention in elections could undermine the choices made by voters.

The senior lawyer said there was currently no indication that the judiciary was adequately prepared to handle potential electoral disputes arising from the 2027 general elections.

According to him, Nigeria must address the role of the courts in the electoral process and ensure that election results genuinely reflect the will of the people.

“For me, the first matter to address is the role of the judiciary in the electoral process in Nigeria. We must stop the practice whereby the court determine the winners of the election in Nigeria,” Falana said.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media and other stakeholders to ensure that elections are conducted transparently and that genuine results are announced.

Falana also referenced the recent Osun State governorship election, expressing hope that the outcome would not be subjected to prolonged litigation.

“We just had an election in Osun State, forget all the shortcomings, at the end of the day, the beauty of it will be that the governorship election will not go to court because the people have decided, they have elected their leader,” he said.

He warned against allowing courts to rely on technicalities to overturn the choices of voters, stressing that credible elections would reduce the need for judicial intervention.

“No court should be allowed to hide under technicalities to make a mockery of the popular choice of the people,” Falana added.

Falana: Courts should not determine election winners in Nigeria

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