Joseph Odok PhD Esq
The corruption of justice and our electoral system will surely lead to the destruction of Nigeria. We need judicial and electoral reforms to save our democracy.
The outlook of our democracy is as follows:
Flawed Elections: The elections in Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo, and over 28 states’ local government elections have fallen short of democratic promises. Complaints include compromised INEC officials, security apparatus, and result discrepancies.
Judicial Corruption: Our judiciary is perceived as one of Nigeria’s most corrupt institutions, with allegations of large-scale bribery and corruption in electoral tribunals. Courts are becoming centers of corruption, impacting democracy negatively.
Lack of Reform Efforts: There’s a concerning silence and near-zero effort from legislators and the judiciary to implement electoral and judicial reforms. This trend threatens our democracy.
Government Apathy: The executive, legislative, and judicial branches seem comfortable with the erosion of our democracy, causing Nigeria’s downward spiral due to flawed leadership selection.
Opposition Suppression: With zero opposition, courts consistently defend mainstream political parties and destroy opposition parties using conflicting injunctions. The absence of internal democracy affects leadership quality, and Nigeria’s primary issue is leadership.
Voter’s Aparty There is widespread voters apathy that is increasing after each electorial season because of wide spread distrust of our electoral and judicial system. More voters now see it a waste of time participating in voting as politicians will openly challenge opponents to go to court after manipulating elections results
Who will save Nigeria? Unless everyone demands electoral and judicial reforms now, we’ll remain stagnant and lament after each democratic dispensation. Democracy is the government of the people, for the people and by the people. There is no better time to be patriotic than to join in the advocacy for electoral and judicial reform.
It is imperative for all civil society organizations, NGOs, activists, opinion moulders, change agents leaders of various political parties, everyone with intentions of seeking political positions to key into the urgent call for electoral and judicial reform.
Our Legislators of the year 2025 should be those who will champion and front the call for electoral reform as there should also be constant engagement of the CJN and NBA for judiciary reform
Better now before the election as time is ticking so fast
