In a recent Facebook video, Nigerian cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele expressed concern over declining public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system as the country approaches another election cycle. He warned that growing distrust in legal institutions could affect how electoral disputes are handled in the future.
During his address, Ayodele suggested that many political actors and citizens are increasingly skeptical about the judiciary’s ability to deliver fair outcomes in election-related cases. He stated: “They will not believe in any judiciary,” pointing to what he يرى as a widening gap between public expectations and institutional credibility.
The cleric further cautioned that candidates who lose elections may find little assurance in seeking legal redress. According to him: “This time, if you lose election and you go to judiciary court, you go to customary court, you’re not going to win.” His remarks reflect concerns about perceived limitations in the dispute resolution process.
Ayodele also highlighted potential risks associated with the declaration of election results. He argued that once a winner is announced, reversing such outcomes could become extremely difficult, even in cases of error. In his words: “If they declare anybody as a winner by mistake, by error, that person is a winner forever and ever.”
He warned that these perceptions could weaken trust in both electoral and judicial institutions, potentially heightening political tensions. “They will not really take them very seriously any longer,” he added, referring to public attitudes toward the system.
The cleric linked these concerns to increasing anxiety surrounding election result announcements, suggesting that stakeholders may become more resistant during the process. As he noted: “That is why we see a lot of people—they will not allow them to even make announcements to declare a winner.”
While some analysts view his statements as speculative, others believe they reflect genuine concerns about electoral integrity and judicial independence in Nigeria. Despite his warnings, Ayodele called for calm, urging citizens to prioritize peace and stability. He concluded: “That’s why we have to pray for peaceful elections.”
As Nigeria moves closer to future elections, issues of transparency, fairness, and institutional trust are expected to remain central to national discourse.
