Prominent human rights advocate Chidi Odinkalu has publicly declined to participate in any current discussions on electoral reform in Nigeria, citing the judiciary’s role in undermining the existing legal framework.In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter) , Odinkalu stated, “I regret to disappoint u but I won’t join in any discussion of #ElectoralReform in #Nigeria under current conditions. What exactly is wrong with Electoral Act 2023? The judges gutted it. They’ll do the same to the next. What u need to reform is not elections; it’s judges and SANS!”
Odinkalu’s remarks come amid growing calls from political stakeholders and civil society groups for comprehensive reforms to the country’s electoral system following controversial rulings and widespread dissatisfaction with the 2023 general elections.The Electoral Act 2023 was initially hailed as a major step forward in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s democratic process. However, a series of contentious court decisions—especially those reversing electoral outcomes and reinstalling candidates—have sparked public outrage and raised concerns about judicial interference.Odinkalu argues that focusing solely on rewriting electoral laws is futile if the judiciary, particularly judges and Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), continues to override the will of the electorate.His comments have resonated across social media, with many Nigerians expressing agreement that judicial accountability is essential for meaningful democratic reform.Legal experts and observers have pointed to recent tribunal judgments that appeared to defy electoral guidelines and evidence presented during hearings. These developments have fueled allegations of corruption and political influence within the judiciary.As debates on electoral reform intensify, Odinkalu’s statement adds a sharp and critical perspective, challenging reform advocates to expand their focus beyond legislation to include institutional integrity within Nigeria’s justice system.
