Abuja: A legal practitioner and civil society activist have called for comprehensive legislative and constitutional reforms to reduce the involvement of the judiciary in electoral matters in Nigeria. Mr. Frank Tietie, a legal practitioner, and Mr. Austine Aiggbe of the Regional Advocacy Officer, West Africa Democracy Network (WADEMOS), made the call during a democracy roundtable organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the duo emphasized during a panel session themed ‘Making Nigeria’s Vote Count in 2027: The Role of INEC’, that electoral outcomes should be determined at polling units rather than in courtrooms and tribunals. Mr. Frank Tietie, an Abuja-based development lawyer, criticized the current system where election outcomes are often contested in judicial tribunals, arguing that it undermines the constitutional independence and authority of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He called for reforms to ensure that courts have no influence in deciding election winners.
Tietie highlighted that an election, prepared over four years by a constitutionally empowered institution, should not be reversed by a tribunal or court decision, describing such scenarios as undemocratic. He urged for stronger constitutional protection for INEC’s independence and encouraged the commission to assert its autonomy. He also called on journalists to advocate for electoral reforms that would enhance Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Tietie pointed out that Section 158 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees INEC’s independence, insisting that the commission should not be subjected to external control or undue influence. He argued against the National Assembly enacting laws that compromise INEC’s autonomy and advocated for amendments to Section 285 of the Constitution, which establishes election tribunals. Tietie expressed concern over the judicial system’s prioritization of political litigation over regular justice delivery, emphasizing that elections should be determined by the electorate rather than the judiciary.
Mr. Austine Aiggbe, representing WADEMOS, echoed similar sentiments, warning that Nigeria’s political architecture has fostered a ‘cabalocracy’ where judicial technicalities often override the popular vote. He criticized the ‘judicialisation of elections’ and noted that political actors frequently exploit post-election litigation for political visibility rather than genuine legal grievances. Aiggbe advocated for ‘citizeniology,’ a concept promoting active citizen engagement to hold democratic processes accountable.
Mrs. Magdalene Aku, Assistant Director, Voter Education and Planning at INEC, expressed concerns about the cost-intensive nature of post-election judicial reversals, though she affirmed that INEC remains committed to obeying court decisions while continuing voter education efforts. She mentioned ongoing reviews to facilitate voting for essential workers on duty during elections.
Ms. Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, emphasized the importance of ethical reporting by media professionals during elections, stressing the need for balance, factual accuracy, and adherence to legal accountability under the Cybercrime Act. She assured that the NUJ would maintain zero tolerance for intimidation against journalists while promoting responsible reporting.