Former Presidents Jonathan and Obasanjo criticize judicial determination of Nigerian elections
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan have voiced strong concerns regarding the Nigerian judiciary's increasing role in determining election outcomes, rather than merely resolving disputes. Speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Jonathan highlighted Nigeria's unique and "anomalous" situation where courts effectively decide election winners, even intruding into political party candidate selection. Obasanjo questioned the democratic legitimacy of a five-member judicial panel overturning millions of votes, especially when judges may not be from the state whose political future they decide. Both leaders criticized Nigeria's "winner-takes-all" political culture, which they believe fosters an adversarial environment. The article points to controversial judicial interventions, such as the Supreme Court's declaration of Hope Uzodimma as Imo State governor in 2020, and disputes surrounding the eligibility of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Ahmed Lawan in the 2023 elections. It also notes that presidential and governorship elections frequently end up in the Supreme Court, with the 2015 election being an exception due to Jonathan's concession. The Punch Editorial Board attributes part of the problem to the Independent National Electoral Commission's struggles with result collation and transmission, despite technological advancements. Ultimately, the article places greater responsibility on desperate politicians who manip
