Judicial controversies over party registrations raise fears of election interference ahead of Nigeria's 2027 polls
Two recent judicial decisions have intensified public doubts about Nigeria's judiciary independence as the 2027 elections approach. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court Abuja overturned a Court of Appeal order that had halted the deregistration of five political parties including ADC and AP, ignoring judicial hierarchy rules. Separately, Justice Isa H. Dashen of the Federal High Court Lokoja reversed his own December 10, 2025 ruling that had ordered INEC to register the NDC, claiming his initial judgment was constitutionally flawed for not joining the PMP as a party.
These rulings fuel widespread perceptions that judges are susceptible to executive influence or financial inducements, undermining the judiciary's role as elections arbiter. Critics like Atedo Peterside accuse judges of delivering 'obnoxious judgments for sale,' while observers link the cases to Tinubu administration efforts to weaken opposition parties. The National Judicial Council's disciplinary role is now under scrutiny amid claims of judicial 'rascality' threatening public trust in electoral justice.
With both cases now before the Court of Appeal, Nigerians must question whether these judicial reversals reflect genuine legal error or systematic efforts to manipulate the political landscape. As election tensions rise, will citizens accept court rulings on party eligibility and election disputes as legitimate, or will perceived judicial compromise fuel further instability and demands for reform?