Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised alarms over perceived weaknesses in Nigeria’s judicial system, particularly regarding rulings on electoral matters. Speaking at the 67th birthday celebration of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, Jonathan likened the state of democracy in Nigeria to “a cone being turned upside down,” warning that the integrity of the judiciary is crucial for democratic stability.
Jonathan emphasised the importance of maintaining independence within the judiciary, urging both lawyers and judges to resist political pressures that could compromise their judgments.
“If our democracy will endure, people at the Bar and the Bench should not be carried away by political influence,” he stated, underscoring that this independence is vital for stabilizing the political landscape.
Reflecting on the high volume of election-related litigation in Nigeria, Jonathan lamented, “In most other countries, people don’t go to court, but in Nigeria, pre-election and post-election matters fill all the courts, which does not bode well for democracy.” He noted that while this trend might benefit lawyers, it highlights a concerning aspect of Nigeria’s political environment.
Jonathan shared his personal concern regarding a specific judicial ruling that he feels could destabilize the political system.
He criticised a judgment that allows a Ward Chairman to expel a National Chairman of a political party, arguing it contradicts principles of natural justice.
“You cannot tell me that a Head of Department in a university can expel the Vice Chancellor. So, how can the Nigerian law tell me that a Ward Chairman can expel a national officer of a political party?” he questioned.
The former president warned that such judgments could lead to ongoing crises within political parties, citing the current turmoil within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a direct consequence.
“This judgment has turned the cone upside down, and the political process is wobbling,” he declared, urging the Supreme Court to revisit its decision to prevent further instability.
Jonathan’s comments come as he leads a pre-election assessment mission in Accra, Ghana, ahead of the country’s presidential elections scheduled for December 7, 2024.
His remarks underscore the critical role of a fair and impartial judiciary in safeguarding democracy in Nigeria and beyond.
