As the clock ticks toward Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, a shadow looms over the democratic process. The nation’s courts, once hailed as the last refuge of the common man, are now at the center of a storm that threatens to shake public faith in the electoral system. Two recent judicial decisions have ignited fierce debate, raising questions about fairness, integrity, and the very soul of Nigeria’s democracy.
The first controversy revolves around Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court. In a case involving the proposed deregistration of five political parties—including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Accord Party (AP)—Lifu ignored a prior order from the Court of Appeal to halt proceedings. He proceeded to deliver a judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the parties. The Court of Appeal, visibly incensed, accused Lifu of “judicial rascality,” a term that has sent shockwaves through legal circles. The appellate court described his actions as a brazen violation of the hierarchy of courts, the gravest form of judicial misconduct.
Lifu defended his decision, citing a directive from the National Judicial Council (NJC) that matters at an advanced stage should not be delayed. But critics argue that this explanation falls short. The public is left wondering: Is the NJC above the appellate court? And what does this say about the independence of the judiciary?
The second case is equally troubling. In Lokoja, Justice Isa H. Dashen overturned his own court’s December 2025 ruling that ordered INEC to register the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). The court now claims the earlier decision was flawed because the Peace Movement Party (PMP) was not included in the proceedings. The NDC, which had already participated in electoral processes, including primaries and candidate emergence, now faces deregistration. Legal experts argue that a court cannot act as an appellate body over its own judgments—a principle known as functus officio. The NDC has vowed to appeal, insisting that justice has been miscarried.
These cases have fueled a growing perception that the judiciary is being weaponized to stifle opposition parties. Some presidential candidates allege a grand plan to create a one-party state under President Bola Tinubu. While Tinubu may not be directly involved, the system appears to be overreaching, with unscrupulous agents acting in his name.
The stakes are high. Nigeria’s democracy hangs in the balance. The judiciary must rise above reproach, and the NJC must act decisively to sanction misconduct. Public trust cannot be rebuilt with words alone; it requires action. As the 2027 elections approach, all actors—political parties, judges, and leaders—must prioritize the stability of the nation over personal or partisan interests. The rule of law must prevail, or the dream of a vibrant democracy will remain just that—a dream.
