“Judges Shouldn’t Determine Election Outcomes of Millions of Voters” — Obasanjo Questions Nigerian Democracy

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has questioned the role of the judiciary in determining election outcomes, asking whether it is democratic for the decisions of a few judges to overturn or uphold the votes of millions of Nigerians.
Obasanjo made the remarks while speaking at the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, where he raised concerns about the state of democracy and the need for electoral processes to better reflect the will of the people.
The former president questioned whether election outcomes should ultimately be determined through court judgments rather than the votes cast by citizens at polling stations.
His comments come amid continuing debates over Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly the role of election tribunals and appellate courts in resolving disputes arising from elections.
Beyond electoral matters, Obasanjo called for democracy to go beyond the conduct of elections and deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
According to him, democracy should promote good governance, equality, security and better living conditions for Nigerians.
He stressed that the success of democracy should be measured not only by elections but also by its ability to improve citizens’ welfare and ensure that government serves the interests of the people.
The former president’s remarks have further renewed discussions about electoral reforms, judicial intervention in election disputes and the need to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions