Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has warned that Nigeria might end up with just one presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
He said the courts are meddling in the affairs of political parties, a move he believes could distort the democratic process.
Falana made this point while delivering the fifth Comrade Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event drew several high-profile figures, including Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero; activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore; and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olumide Fusika.
It was organised by the Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation, led by Dr Joe Odumakin, and attended by the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, as well as activists like Agba Jalingo and Richard Akinola.
During his lecture, Falana said that court orders and conflicting judgments are being used to destabilise political parties. He warned this could result in a scenario where only one party ends up fielding a presidential candidate in 2027.
His remarks came shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it would no longer recognise the rival factions of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark and Rafiu Bala.
INEC’s decision followed a Court of Appeal ruling directing the commission to maintain the status quo while a suit challenging David Mark’s leadership is being decided.
Falana slammed the judiciary for meddling in party matters, pointing out that the Electoral Act clearly forbids such interference.
He said, “Through the manipulation of Nigerian courts and senior lawyers, you may have only one candidate contesting the presidential election in this country. If that happens, Nigeria may not even need to spend money on a presidential election.”
