WHEN DEMOCRACY GOES TO COURT BEFORE THE VOTER ARRIVES

Barrister Aminu Hussaini – Examines How Triple Threats of Money, Might, and Chaotic Litigations Sets Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk

As Nigeria moves steadily toward the 2027 general elections, a familiar and troubling pattern is resurfacing: our democracy is being contested long before citizens approach the polling booths. Increasingly, political battles are fought not in town halls, rallies or debates, but in courtrooms, party secretariats, private villas and the shadows of unchecked financial influence.
When democracy goes to court before the voter arrives, the heart of electoral legitimacy is compromised; unless we confront this drift, 2027 risks becoming another election decided by judicial technicalities, power blocs and influence peddlers—not the will of the Nigerian people.
The Courtroom Is Not a Campaign Ground
Certainly, there is no democracy without an independent judiciary; but there is also no healthy democracy when litigation replaces voter persuasion and legal technicalities overshadow voter decisions. In this dispensation, pre-election court cases have mushroomed to unprecedented levels. Instead of focusing on policies, candidates invest in legal teams to disqualify opponents, overturn primaries or secure favorable interpretations of party rules, electoral law and election guidelines.
While the courts play a vital role in resolving disputes, their increasing involvement before and after elections weakens the mandate that should come from the electorate. When judges determine who appears on the ballot and who occupies position more than voters do, democracy becomes distorted.
Money: The Invisible Voter
Financial influence has become one of the most determining factors of Nigerian electoral process and outcomes. The monetization of the political process—from party forms that cost millions, to delegates’ primaries drenched in cash, to open vote-buying on election day—has made public office obviously purchasable.
In the buildup to 2027, there is already evidence of an arms race of money. But democracy should not and cannot be an auction. When the candidate with the deepest pockets surpasses the candidate with the best ideas and pedigree, the entire nation pays the price.
Might and Intimidation: The Dark Edge of Nigerian Politics
Nigeria’s elections are often marred by a subtle but powerful coercive force: the deployment of political thugs, the misuse of security agencies and the intimidation of both voters and electoral officials. If citizens cannot cast their votes freely, without fear of intimidation or manipulation of their votes, then we do not have elections—what we have are simply rituals of staged participation. As 2027 approaches, Nigerians must insist that the ballot paper not the bully or manipulation, remains the instrument of choice. Stakeholders’ manipulative tendencies must be resisted and totally rejected. We must understand and believe that our destiny would not be served on a platter of gold. True freedom is always wrested not given!
Manipulation From Within
Manipulation does not only occur at polling units. It often begins much earlier—through compromised party primaries, doctored delegate lists, parallel congresses and last-minute candidate substitutions. These internal manipulations set the stage for disputed outcomes and post-election chaos.
Regrettably, when the foundations are shaky, the entire democratic structure trembles.
Why the Popular Vote Must Be Supreme in 2027
For Nigeria to move forward, the legitimacy of leaders must come from the people—not from court rulings, kingmakers or financial powerhouses. The 2027 season provide a crucial opportunity to reinforce the principles of free, fair and credible elections which require transparent and technology-backed electoral processes that prioritize voters over power brokers; political finance reforms to curb the corrupting force of money; internal party democracy that is credible, inclusive, and free from manipulation; judicial restraint and speedy processes ensuring courts do not become substitutes for elections as well as security neutrality to guarantee voter safety and trust.
To succeed, we must believe in being strong even when it seems to be impossible. It is said that if you really want to eat, keep climbing; the fruits are on the top of the tree; stretch your hands and keep stretching them; success is on the top. One cannot score a goal when sitting on the bench; to do so, one has to dress up and enter the game. Yes, WE CAN DO IT by securing our PVCs and getting set and determine to change the impossible with it! Democracy thrives when the ballot box speaks louder than any court order or political godfather.
2027: A Defining Moment
Nigeria is at a decisive crossroads.
Citizens are increasingly aware, vocal and determined to reclaim their democratic power. But the system must make space for their voices to matter. If the results of the 2027 elections are to enjoy national and international respect, they must reflect the true will of the Nigerian people—not the interests of a privileged minority.
Our democracy must not go to court before the voter arrives. This cherished democracy must go to the polling booth—where it truly belongs. The power to shape Nigeria’s future lies with its citizens. In 2027, the popular vote must not merely be counted; it MUST be respected, protected and allowed to decide.

This opinion was contributed by Barrister Aminu Hussaini Sagagi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Justice & Constitutional Matters.