2027: Judiciary not INEC is biggest election concern – Bukola Idowu

Founder and Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Bukola Idowu, has identified the judiciary as his biggest concern ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that unresolved pre-election disputes could affect the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Idowu said his concern was not about INEC, the electoral process or political coalitions, but the judiciary and its handling of cases arising from the electoral process.

“My major concern about the coming election is not about INEC. It’s not about the processes, it’s not about the cases, it’s not about the coalition. It’s about the judiciary,” he said.

Speaking during a discussion at Chatham House, Idowu disclosed that more than 300 pre-election cases were still pending, with about 60 days remaining before the election.

He expressed concern that some of the cases could lead to the removal of candidates or affect the participation of entire political parties, potentially triggering further appeals up to the Supreme Court.

He said, “As I’m talking to you now, Nigeria, we still have over 300 pre-election cases to be dispensed before the election in 60 days.”

Idowu warned that prolonged court proceedings could create uncertainty around the electoral process and disrupt INEC’s preparations.

According to him, the commission had been joined in more than half of the pending cases, forcing it to combine its election preparations with appearances in court.

“All these over 300 cases, INEC is joined in all of them. Now, you are looking at an institution that should be preparing for election going in and out of the courts,” he said.

He questioned the possible impact of delayed judicial decisions on the commission’s readiness, particularly where cases move from one court to another and eventually reach the Supreme Court.

Idowu also called for reforms in the judiciary, identifying judges, lawyers and judicial accountability as areas requiring attention.

He said, “We need to do a lot around our judiciary,” he concluded.