Nigeria’s Democracy in Peril Due to Court Rulings on Political Cases, Jonathan Warns

In a bold statement, former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed concern over recent judicial decisions, warning that Nigeria’s democracy could be at risk if troubling verdicts from the courts continue. Speaking on Thursday at the 67th birthday celebration of renowned lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, in Abuja, Jonathan pointed out specific rulings on political cases that he described as destabilizing to the nation’s democratic framework.

Jonathan’s primary concern revolved around a recent Supreme Court ruling that allowed a political party’s ward chairman to suspend its National Chairman. He argued that this decision undermines the foundation of democratic principles and could set a dangerous precedent.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling, allowing a ward chairman to suspend a party’s national chairman, turns democracy, which is like a cone, upside down. When a cone is inverted, it cannot stand—any slight disturbance can cause it to collapse,” Jonathan remarked, stressing that such verdicts could weaken Nigeria’s political stability.

He further criticized the decision, stating that it deviated from the natural order of governance, likening it to a scenario where a head of department could expel a university vice chancellor. Jonathan said the ruling has already caused significant instability within Nigeria’s major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), which have both experienced leadership crises.

“I plead with the Supreme Court to revisit this judgement. It has turned our democracy upside down, and if not addressed, it will continue to cause disruptions,” Jonathan added.

The former president’s remarks followed a gesture from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who unexpectedly invited Jonathan to co-chair the event with him. Obasanjo, while delivering his speech, lauded Ozekhome for his dedication to advocating for justice and positive change, describing him as a “radical with courage and integrity.”

Jonathan, who had previously written the foreword for one of the 50 books presented by Ozekhome at the event, said he anticipated Obasanjo would steer clear of discussing the contentious judicial rulings, but seized the opportunity to address the matter himself.

In a light-hearted moment after Jonathan’s remarks, Obasanjo took the microphone again, quipping, “There is much to say, and it is not yet time for it,” leaving the audience in suspense about what more could be shared in the future.