BREAKING NEWS: Okolugbo Calls for Judicial Consistency in Electoral Disputes, Urges Intervention by Chief Judge

Public affairs analyst Kenny Okolugbo has called for urgent reforms within Nigeria’s judicial system, warning that conflicting court rulings on election-related matters are creating confusion and threatening public confidence in the country's democratic process.

Okolugbo made the remarks during a panel discussion aired on Arise News and later shared on the network’s official YouTube channel on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Speaking on the growing concerns surrounding election litigation, he criticized the trend of courts of coordinate jurisdiction issuing differing interpretations of the Electoral Act. According to him, such contradictions create uncertainty for political parties, electoral stakeholders, and voters, particularly during crucial election periods.

The analyst acknowledged that political parties have generally complied with the timetable and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a bid to avoid legal disputes. However, he maintained that inconsistent judicial decisions continue to generate confusion and weaken trust in the legal system.

Calling for decisive action, Okolugbo urged the leadership of the judiciary to address the issue and ensure greater uniformity in court judgments involving electoral matters.

“We have to call on the Chief Judge of the Federation. We can't continue to have the courts confuse us,” he stated.

He emphasized that the judiciary remains a cornerstone of democracy and must provide clear, consistent, and timely interpretations of electoral laws. Such consistency, he argued, would reduce unnecessary controversies, strengthen public trust, and provide political actors with a clearer understanding of the legal framework governing elections.

Okolugbo further noted that improved coordination within the judicial system would enhance confidence in election adjudication, promote stability in the electoral process, and reinforce the rule of law across the country.

His comments add to ongoing discussions about the role of the courts in election matters and the need for reforms aimed at ensuring certainty, transparency, and fairness in Nigeria’s democratic system.