A legal practitioner has warned political parties against filing frivolous lawsuits that distract the Independent National Electoral Commission from its core responsibilities. The Independent National Electoral Commission, commonly known as INEC, is Nigeria’s electoral body responsible for organizing and supervising elections at the federal and state levels.
Speaking during a legal forum on electoral reforms, the lawyer said the growing number of unnecessary court cases filed by political actors has created additional pressure on the commission. According to him, many of these lawsuits lack substantial legal merit and are often filed to delay electoral processes or gain political advantage.
The lawyer explained that the electoral commission already faces a demanding workload that includes voter registration, election planning and the management of logistics across the country. Frequent legal challenges, he argued, divert time and resources that should be devoted to improving the efficiency of the electoral system.
He noted that while the judiciary remains an essential part of the democratic process, the misuse of litigation can undermine electoral administration. Courts are frequently asked to resolve disputes related to party primaries, candidate eligibility and internal party conflicts.
Legal analysts say Nigeria’s electoral process has historically been accompanied by a high volume of court cases, particularly during election cycles. Some disputes arise from genuine legal concerns while others are perceived as tactical moves designed to delay political opponents.
The lawyer urged political parties to strengthen internal dispute resolution mechanisms rather than relying excessively on the courts. Resolving disagreements within party structures, he said, could reduce the burden on both the judiciary and the electoral commission.
Electoral experts also emphasize that a stable legal environment is critical for credible elections. Excessive litigation can create uncertainty for candidates, voters and election administrators.
The legal practitioner concluded by encouraging political actors to focus on constructive engagement and democratic competition rather than legal confrontations that may weaken public confidence in the electoral system.
