The article explores the pervasive allegations of leaked judgments in Nigeria’s electoral tribunals, highlighting incidents from both historical and recent times. It addresses the diminishing public trust in judicial integrity due to these leaks and the relationships between judges and political figures. The piece honors Joseph Otteh, an advocate for judicial reform, emphasizing the ongoing need for efforts to restore public faith in Nigeria’s legal system.
On April 2, 2025, during the delivery of the judgment for the Edo State Governorship Election Petition, Judge Wilfred Kpochi conducted a preliminary ritual to confirm unanimous agreement among tribunal members before proceeding with the verdict. This moment was significant because a leaked document suggesting a split verdict had circulated just 48 hours prior, leading both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to issue statements accusing one another of orchestrating the leak.
Historically, such leaks have been a recurring theme in Nigeria’s election tribunals. The 1979 presidential election petition brought forward by Obafemi Awolowo against Shehu Shagari is noteworthy; at that time, General Olusegun Obasanjo allegedly received assurances from the newly appointed Chief Justice, Atanda Fatayi Williams, regarding the outcome. Similarly, in 2008, the Action Congress alleged that leaks regarding the judgment in the presidential election petition against the PDP’s Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had occurred, undermining public confidence.
As recent as September 2023, credible suspicions surfaced concerning the integrity of judicial decision-making within election disputes, particularly following Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s departure for the G-20 Summit shortly before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal’s judgment was announced. This growing mistrust reflects an unfortunate trend in which allegations of judicial impropriety overshadow official proceedings.
Moreover, in June 2023, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa’s remarks during the valedictory session hinted at troubling relationships between judges and politicians, casting doubts on judicial independence. His comments underscored a culture of complicity that has become ingrained, with further outcries from figures like Nyesom Wike, who criticized the legal profession’s lack of integrity.
In light of these developments, the legal landscape has suffered a blow to credibility, prompting advocates like Joseph Otteh to strive for reform. Otteh, who founded Access to Justice in 1999, worked diligently to restore trust in Nigeria’s legal system. Tragically, he recently passed away, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to integrity and public service, epitomized in his seminal work titled “The Fading Lights of Justice,” which captures the ongoing struggle to maintain justice in Nigeria.
In summary, Nigeria’s judiciary faces significant challenges concerning the integrity and credibility of its electoral processes. The continuing allegations of leaks in tribunal judgments and the troubling relationships between judges and politicians contribute to a pervasive atmosphere of distrust. Figures like Joseph Otteh have sought to address these issues through advocacy and reform. As the legal community mourns his loss, his contributions serve as a reminder of the ongoing necessity to fight for justice and integrity in Nigeria’s judicial system.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com
