A group, the Concerned Nigerian Youths (CNY), has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over what it calls “the judicialisation of Nigeria’s electoral process” and growing litigation surrounding the creation of additional state constituencies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, in the petition jointly submitted to the Prof. Joash Amupitan-led INEC by its Executive Director, Abdul Muni Tijani, and Director of Programmes, Tijani Usman Shehu, said the repeated court actions, conflicting orders and interlocutory injunctions on constituency matters, could create uncertainty for INEC and disrupts preparations for the 2027 elections.
In the petition titled, “The Judicialisation 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.
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.