Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi criticises the judiciary’s role in Nigeria’s election process, saying “history will judge” the institution for its actions. In a post on his verified X account on Saturday, he argues that the judiciary has a responsibility beyond settling disputes and is key to protecting justice, constitutional order, and the democratic process.
Utomi links the weakness of democratic legitimacy to low voter turnout, which he presents as a sign that citizens’ confidence is eroding. He also reiterates a broader concern about Nigeria’s current democratic setup, noting that he has previously described the administration as a minority government based on its electoral mandate. Across the reporting, outlets present his message as a warning that, if the courts do not restore public confidence, their role in election-related outcomes may be judged negatively in the future.
