2027: Conflicting court orders may disrupt polls—youths warns

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

Concerned Nigerian Youths has warned that prolonged litigation and conflicting court orders over the creation of additional state constituencies could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The group raised the concern at a press conference, saying the growing legal disputes could create uncertainty over electoral boundaries and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The Executive Director of the group, Abdulmuni Tijani, said citizens had a constitutional right to seek judicial redress but warned that constituency-related litigation should not be allowed to derail preparations for the elections.

He alleged that attempts were being made in some parts of the country to obtain fresh court orders for the creation of additional constituencies despite existing judicial decisions on some previously suppressed constituencies having been accepted and implemented by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Tijani cautioned against what the group described as “opportunistic litigation” and “judicial forum shopping”, saying such actions could complicate INEC’s preparations and create confusion among political parties and voters.

“Democracy thrives where laws are certain, institutions are stable, and electoral rules are predictable,” the group said.

It urged the judiciary to exercise caution in handling cases with significant electoral implications and called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to provide leadership towards the timely and consistent resolution of disputes capable of affecting preparations for the 2027 elections.

The group also appealed to courts to minimise conflicting interlocutory orders in electoral matters.

It, however, stressed that the independence of the judiciary and citizens’ constitutional right to seek justice must be protected.

The group urged political actors, community leaders, pressure groups and litigants seeking additional state constituencies to pursue their demands through constitutional and legislative channels.

It warned that such demands should not jeopardise the conduct of the 2027 elections.

The organisation also called on the National Assembly, INEC, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to work together to prevent avoidable legal disputes from affecting electoral preparations.

It said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend, among other factors, on the stability and predictability of the legal and electoral framework.

The group urged Nigerians and relevant institutions to prioritise national interest, constitutional certainty and democratic stability as preparations for the elections continue.