Nigeria’s democracy deserves courts that inspire confidence, argues
The gavel is one of the most powerful symbols of constitutional democracy. Its authority does not derive from the force with which it strikes, but from the public confidence reposed in its impartiality. Only when that confidence endures does democracy flourish.
In advance democracies, the sound of the gavel reassures citizens that justice has prevailed over power. In more fragile democracies such as Nigeria, however, the same sound can provoke anxiety, anger and doubt raising questions about the possible “repurposing” of the courtroom to an arena for partisan politics by judges who like Caesar’s wife were expected to be above board.
The recent decision of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja to set aside its December 2025 judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), is one such instance. The ruling has generated heated legal debate and heightened public concern about the intersection of law and politics.
Justice Isah Dashen did not hold that the NDC is permanently disqualified from registration. Rather, the court vacated its earlier judgment on procedural grounds, holding that the Peace Movement Party (PMP), whose alleged interest in the disputed logo could be affected by the proceedings, ought to have been joined as an interested party. The court consequently ordered that the matter begin afresh with all relevant parties before it.
