Excessive Election Litigation Weakening Nigeria’s Democracy — Former AGF

FormerAttorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s increasing reliance on the courts to determine electoral outcomes, warning that the trend is weakening democratic institutions and reducing the influence of voters in the political process.

Adoke made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association, themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democratic Process.”

The former justice minister expressed concern that elections in Nigeria were increasingly being decided in courtrooms rather than at the ballot box, a development he said poses a threat to democratic values and public confidence in the electoral process.

According to him, while the judiciary remains an important pillar of democracy, excessive election litigation has created a situation where political actors now place more faith in legal battles than in genuine electoral engagement.

Adoke noted that the trend has weakened electoral institutions and diminished the role of citizens in determining political leadership through votes.

He stressed the need for urgent reforms aimed at strengthening electoral credibility, promoting internal party democracy, and restoring public trust in democratic institutions.
The former AGF also called on political parties, the judiciary, electoral bodies, and civil society organisations to work collectively toward protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

He said safeguarding the democratic process requires transparency, accountability, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for the will of the people.

Adoke further urged legal practitioners to uphold justice and democratic principles, noting that the legal profession has a critical role to play in defending constitutional order and ensuring that democracy thrives in the country.