Former President Goodluck Jonathan has voiced concern that the frequent use of litigation to settle election results is undermining Nigeria’s democratic foundations. Speaking at the 2026 Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, he noted that the country’s tendency to resolve political disputes in court is abnormal compared to other African nations.
Jonathan shared a past interaction with a South African official who expressed confusion over why Nigerian candidates consistently pursue legal action after failing at the polls. He argued that election challenges have become an expected part of the local political process, which he views as an anomaly. While acknowledging the need for an independent judiciary, the former president lamented that public trust in legal rulings has faded.
He further criticized judicial involvement in the internal processes of political parties, specifically regarding the selection of candidates for primaries. According to Jonathan, this interference disrupts the stability of the political landscape. He concluded that Nigeria’s democracy would be more resilient if political parties took greater ownership of their internal affairs and if reliance on courtroom battles for electoral resolution was curtailed.
