Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan Warns Courts Deciding Elections Undermines Democracy

Former President Goodluck Jonathan cautioned that Nigeria’s democratic legitimacy is at risk if the judiciary continues to determine election outcomes rather than the ballot. Speaking as a special guest at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Abuja Law Week 2026, he argued that increasing post‑election litigation reflects a crisis of public trust and called for fresh polls in disputed contests instead of court‑declared winners.

Jonathan highlighted procedural inconsistencies, noting that governorship disputes pass through three judicial levels while presidential cases go through only two. He also pointed to historically low voter turnout – 27 % in the 2023 election – and the rise of political thuggery as factors eroding confidence in the electoral process. The former president urged the NBA, the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission to review electoral and judicial laws, including the creation of a constitutional court dedicated to election disputes. Former Attorney General Mohammed Adoke and NBA President Afam Osigwe echoed the concerns, stressing the need for stronger institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.