Economist and investment banker Atedo Peterside argues that judicial misconduct can only be curbed through active disciplinary measures rather than relying solely on appellate courts to reverse flawed decisions. Peterside noted that depending exclusively on higher courts invites judges to issue questionable rulings for gain.
His comments arrived following a post by former Senator Sola Akinyede, who criticized a recent decision by the Federal High Court in Lokoja. That court recently nullified its previous order requiring the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The NDC intends to field Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as its presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
Akinyede warned that the judiciary relies on integrity rather than just corrective appellate powers, suggesting that without intervention from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the institution risks harming the nation’s democracy. Peterside, the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, echoed this sentiment, asserting that ignoring such behavior only fosters a culture where judges profit from issuing controversial judgments. Justice Isah Dashen, who issued the latest ruling, cited concerns regarding the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo used in the initial registration order. The NDC has stated it will challenge the verdict in the Court of Appeal.
