Falana and Adams warned that judicial interference in party politics could lead to a one-candidate presidential election in Nigeria in 2027 and urged Nigerians to defend democratic values.
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, have warned that Nigeria could face a one-candidate presidential election in 2027 if the judiciary continues interfering in political party affairs. They spoke on Thursday at the fifth Comrade Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture in Lagos attended by labour leaders, activists and civil society members.
Falana said court rulings and legal disputes were increasingly destabilising political parties, citing the crisis within the African Democratic Congress and the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission to suspend recognition of its factions. He warned, “Through the manipulation of Nigerian courts and senior lawyers, you may have only one candidate contesting the presidential election in this country.”
Adams echoed the concerns, saying the country was gradually drifting toward a one-party system. He said, “We are moving towards a one-party system. Those in power are using the judiciary to suppress the will of the people.” Falana urged civil society groups and labour unions to organise to defend democracy, warning that uncoordinated protests could lead to instability rather than meaningful reform.
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