Group Petitions INEC Over Rising Litigation On State Constituencies Ahead Of 2027

Concerned Nigerian Youths, has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it described as the increasing “judicialisation” of Nigeria’s electoral process and the growing litigation surrounding the creation of additional state constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, in th petition jointly submitted the Prof. Joash Amupitan led INEC by its Executive Director, Abdul Muni Tijani, and Director of Programmes, Tijani Usman Shehu, expressed concern that repeated court actions, conflicting orders and interlocutory injunctions on constituency matters could create uncertainty for INEC and disrupt preparations for the 2027 elections.

in the petition titled: “The Judicialization of Democracy and the Unending Clamour for State Constituencies: A Threat to the Credibility of the 2027 General Elections,” the group argued that its position was motivated by the need to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensure a credible, peaceful and acceptable election.

The organisation acknowledged the constitutional right of Nigerians to seek judicial redress, but cautioned against using litigation to create uncertainty around electoral preparations or advance political interests.

“Every Nigerian has an unquestionable constitutional right to seek justice before the courts. That right is fundamental and must always be protected,” the group said.

It, however, argued that the judiciary should not become an avenue through which political interests could frustrate electoral preparations or undermine the stability of the democratic process.

According to the group, the growing number of lawsuits seeking the creation of new state constituencies, coupled with conflicting court orders, has generated anxiety among citizens, political parties, election managers and other stakeholders.

It alleged that there appeared to be attempts in some parts of the country to obtain fresh court judgments for the creation of additional constituencies even after INEC had accepted and commenced implementation of valid judgments concerning some previously suppressed constituencies.

While reiterating its respect for the judiciary and the constitutional right to seek justice, the organisation warned that fresh judicial orders at this stage of the electoral cycle could create confusion and place additional pressure on INEC’s preparations.

It said such developments could result in uncertainty over electoral boundaries and representation, disrupt election planning and weaken public confidence in the transparency and credibility of the 2027 elections.

“The integrity of our electoral process must never become a casualty of opportunistic litigation or judicial forum shopping,” it stated.

The group maintained that democracy could only thrive where laws were certain, institutions were stable and electoral rules remained predictable.
It, therefore, appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria to provide strong judicial leadership in the handling of cases with significant electoral implications.

The organisation urged the judiciary to ensure that such cases were handled with urgency and consistency, while taking into consideration their potential impact on the country’s democratic stability.

It also called for a reduction in conflicting interlocutory orders and encouraged the speedy resolution of disputes capable of affecting INEC’s electoral preparations evennas they appealed to political actors, community leaders, pressure groups and litigants to place national interest above personal, sectional or political considerations.

It acknowledged that demands for additional state constituencies could be legitimate but insisted that such demands should be pursued through constitutional and legislative channels without jeopardising the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

The organisation also urged the National Assembly, INEC, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and other democracy advocates to collaborate in protecting the integrity of the electoral system.

It said avoidable legal disputes should not be allowed to derail preparations for the 2027 general elections stressing that Nigerians would expect their votes, rather than prolonged litigation or conflicting court orders, to determine the leadership that emerges from the 2027 elections.

“This is the time for wisdom over expediency. This is the time for constitutional order over uncertainty. This is the time for all institutions of government to rise above narrow interests and work together to strengthen our democracy,” it said.

The organisation urged all stakeholders to prioritise national unity, constitutional certainty and democratic stability in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

It said history would judge those who defended Nigeria’s democratic institutions at critical moments, adding that collective action was necessary to preserve the integrity of the electoral process for future generations.