Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has raised fresh concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that continued judicial interference in political party affairs could leave the country with only one presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.
Falana sounded the alarm while speaking at the fifth Comrade Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture in Lagos, where he criticised what he described as the growing misuse of court rulings to destabilise opposition parties.
According to him, conflicting judgments and increasing court involvement in internal party matters risk weakening political competition and undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
“Through the manipulation of Nigerian courts, you may have only one candidate contesting the presidential election,” he warned.
His remarks come against the backdrop of recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission, which declined recognition of certain factions within the African Democratic Congress following a Court of Appeal ruling.
Falana argued that such judicial actions contradict provisions of the Electoral Act, which limits court interference in party administration. He cautioned that persistent encroachment by the judiciary could erode democratic institutions and fuel unrest if citizens feel deprived of genuine electoral choices.
Also speaking at the event, Gani Adams echoed similar concerns, warning that Nigeria appears to be drifting toward a one-party system. He accused those in power of deploying legal mechanisms to stifle opposition voices and weaken the multiparty structure.
Both speakers called on civil society organisations, labour unions, and political stakeholders to remain vigilant and actively defend democratic principles, stressing that safeguarding electoral competition is critical to the country’s stability.
Falana Warns of ‘One-Candidate’ Risk in 2027 Over Judicial Interference
