Fayose Claims Nigeria’s Judiciary, Not INEC, Chooses Presidents Ahead of 2027
Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, told Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, that Nigeria no longer has an Independent National Electoral Commission and that the judiciary now decides who governs the country. He said the country operates as a 'government of the court, by the court and for the court,' noting that every president in the last twelve years has gone to court before taking office. Fayose warned that the 2027 elections will also end in court, describing the situation as a ‘coronation’ rather than a vote, and accused authorities of reducing opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to 'square zero.' These claims strike at the heart of Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral process and the rule of law. If citizens believe that courts, not voters, choose leaders, participation in elections may decline and political tensions could rise. The allegation that opposition parties are being deliberately weakened raises concerns about political pluralism and fair competition ahead of the 2027 general elections. For ordinary Nigerians, the stakes include trust in INEC’s voter registration, the credibility of election results, and the ability to seek redress through legitimate political channels rather than the courts. Readers should treat Fayose’s statements as allegations that require verification. Checking INEC’s official announcements—such as its recent registration of 2.4 million new voters and plans to use NIN verification to prevent duplicate registrations—can provide a factual counterpoint. Monitoring court rulings on election-related cases and following credible news outlets for updates on opposition party activities will help separate claim from fact. Engaging in voter education, verifying personal voter details, and participating in peaceful political processes remain practical steps to safeguard democratic rights regardless of the political climate.