Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), has criticised what he described as the increasing judicialisation of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Osigwe spoke on Thursday at the 22nd Nigeria Guild of Editors Conference in Enugu, where he said politicians were increasingly relying on election tribunals and courts rather than voters to determine electoral victories.

He said the difficulty of proving non-compliance with electoral laws had contributed to a situation where courts increasingly determine who emerges from elections.

The former NBA president also expressed concern over the large number of election petitions in Nigeria and delays in resolving electoral disputes.

He linked declining voter turnout to growing perceptions among Nigerians that their votes might not ultimately determine election outcomes.

Osigwe said some politicians had taken advantage of the situation by offering voters money and items such as rice and salt, while also recruiting thugs during elections.

He criticised the conduct of some state electoral commissions, alleging that ruling parties routinely secured victories and citing instances where election results were allegedly announced before voting materials arrived at polling units.

The legal expert also questioned aspects of court decisions concerning the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, saying such decisions had undermined the intended use of the technologies in strengthening electoral transparency.

He further criticised the practice of politicians challenging election results in court, saying it had contributed to declining public confidence in the judiciary.

Osigwe called for reforms to Nigeria’s electoral and legal systems, warning that continued problems could further discourage voters and increase reliance on courts to determine electoral outcomes.