“Former INEC Commissioner Warns Judicial Decisions Could Jeopardize Upcoming Elections”

A former electoral official has criticised recent judicial rulings, claiming they have added to uncertainty about Nigeria’s election processes as the country prepares for upcoming polls.

Mike Igini, who served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressed frustration over what he described as contradictory interpretations emerging from the Supreme Court and other courts. He said these conflicting rulings have made it difficult for electoral authorities, lawmakers, and the public to clearly understand how election procedures are to be implemented.

Igini’s comments come amid debates over reforms to the Electoral Act, particularly the use of electronic transmission of results and other measures aimed at improving transparency in elections. He warned that unclear judicial directions could send mixed signals about the legal status of these reforms, potentially undermining public confidence in the democratic process.

He called for greater clarity and cooperation among the judiciary, electoral bodies, and the legislature, stressing that disagreements over legal interpretations could pose risks for the 2027 general elections. Igini’s remarks highlight broader concerns about how judicial decisions influence the conduct and credibility of elections in Nigeria.