Human rights lawyer Femi Falana and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, have warned that Nigeria could face a one-candidate presidential election in 2027 if judicial interference in political party affairs continues.
They spoke at the fifth Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture held in Ikeja, Lagos, where concerns were raised about the growing role of the judiciary in internal party disputes.
Falana criticised the increasing reliance on court orders and conflicting judgments to resolve party leadership issues, arguing that such interventions could destabilise opposition parties and undermine democratic competition.
His remarks followed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition of factions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), based on a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of a leadership dispute.
According to Falana, continued manipulation of legal processes could result in a situation where only one viable candidate emerges in the next presidential election, effectively rendering the electoral process meaningless.
He warned that such a development could trigger public unrest if citizens feel deprived of genuine electoral choices, urging civil society groups and labour organisations to mobilise in defence of democracy.
Similarly, Adams expressed concern that the country is gradually drifting toward a one-party system, accusing those in power of using judicial mechanisms to weaken opposition voices.
He likened the current political climate to past periods of political repression and urged Nigerians to remain vocal against perceived injustice, regardless of ethnic or political affiliations.
Falana also used the platform to reiterate calls for restructuring, noting that Nigeria currently operates a highly centralised system compared to the First Republic, when regions exercised greater autonomy over governance.
He pointed out that although some powers have been devolved through court rulings—such as in areas of taxation, land control, and local governance—many states have yet to fully utilise these opportunities.
On the issue of state policing, Falana cautioned that it could be misused by governors to suppress political opponents, referencing historical abuses during earlier political eras.
The event also featured contributions from labour leaders, activists, and civil society figures, who echoed concerns about governance, insecurity, and the concentration of political power.
Overall, the speakers emphasised the need for institutional reforms, stronger democratic safeguards, and active civic engagement to prevent the erosion of Nigeria’s democratic system ahead of the 2027 elections.
