The judiciary in Nigeria has been urged to deliver sound judgements in electoral matters to strengthen the country’s democracy.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, made this call while delivering the 9th Convocation Lecture of the Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Judiciary as the final arbiter of election outcomes: Aberrations and judgements without justice’, Ozekhome highlighted the judiciary’s critical role in safeguarding democracy.

Describing election tribunals in Nigeria as “bats,” he noted their unique position, possessing both original and appellate jurisdictions but not fitting neatly into the classification of superior or inferior courts.

The human rights lawyer stressed the judiciary’s responsibility to uphold justice, noting that both the electorate and elected officials rely on it for sound judgements. He lamented that some election petition outcomes in the country have delivered shocking results that unsettled the public.

Citing the Supreme Court ruling in Hope Uzodinma & APC vs Emeka Ihedioha, PDP & INEC, Ozekhome said the decision had a profound impact on the nation.

He criticised the exploitation of procedural rules, which, he argued, has burdened the judicial system. He further emphasised that the quality of testimony presented in election cases is more significant than the number of witnesses, as a large number of witnesses does not guarantee success in election disputes.

Ozekhome advocated amendments to the 1999 Constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act to ensure that election petitions are concluded before elected officials are inaugurated, as was the practice during the 1979 elections in the Second Republic.

“In other words, no winner of an election petition should be sworn in until the disposal of a petition challenging his or her election,” he said.