Obasanjo: Courts should not be deciding election outcomes

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the judiciary’s growing role in deciding Nigerian election outcomes, according to Leadership Newspapers, questioning whether democracy is served when a handful of judges override millions of votes.

Speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Obasanjo also questioned judicial independence. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his remarks, proposed African nations consider a Swiss-style collective presidency to prevent excessive power concentration in one individual.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed said democracy must extend beyond elections to include strong institutions and accountable governance.