There was a time when the Supreme Court of Nigeria was the last hope of the common man—a place where justice was blind to power, wealth, and influence. That time is gone. Today, the apex court, once a sacred institution, has become a tool for the powerful, delivering judgments that often mock the very essence of justice. With a history riddled with politically motivated rulings, inconsistencies, and outright judicial rascality, Nigeria’s Supreme Court has transformed into a battlefield where justice is auctioned to the highest bidder.
In the past few decades, landmark cases have exposed how the Supreme Court has been weaponized to serve political and economic interests. The court’s decline began long before now, but certain cases stand out as evidence of its growing inability to dispense justice fairly.
THE 1979 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RULING—THE BEGINNING OF JUDICIAL CONTROVERSY
The 1979 presidential election remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s judicial controversies. Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) contested the election results against Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). The crux of the dispute was whether Shagari secured 25% of the votes in two-thirds of Nigeria’s 19 states, as mandated by the Constitution. In a contentious decision, the Supreme Court interpreted two-thirds of 19 states as 12⅔ states, a mathematical anomaly that many legal scholars criticized. This ruling set a precedent, suggesting that judicial interpretations could be swayed by political considerations.
THE 1993 ANNULMENT—A SUPREME COURT IN SILENCE
The annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible electoral process, marked a dark chapter in the nation’s history. Chief MKO Abiola, who was poised to win, was denied his mandate when the military regime annulled the election. The Supreme Court’s conspicuous silence during this period allowed the military to undermine democracy, leading to years of political instability and the eventual rise of General Sani Abacha’s dictatorship.
2007 – SUPREME COURT ENDORSES FRAUDULENT ELECTIONS
The 2007 general elections were marred by widespread irregularities. International observers, including the European Union, documented at least 4,600 voting anomalies. Despite substantial evidence of electoral malpractice, the Supreme Court upheld Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s victory. This decision underscored the judiciary’s vulnerability to political influence, as it appeared to legitimize a deeply flawed electoral process.
2019 – THE COURT OUSTS A CHIEF JUSTICE UNDER DUBIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES
In 2019, Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen was removed from office under contentious circumstances. Accused of failing to declare certain assets, Onnoghen’s ousting was perceived by many as a politically motivated move to influence the judiciary ahead of the general elections. The Supreme Court’s acquiescence in this matter raised alarms about the erosion of judicial independence.
2023 – SUPREME COURT OVERRULES EVIDENCE IN PRESIDENTIAL PETITION
The 2023 presidential election tribunal’s ruling further dented the court’s credibility. Despite evidence of electoral irregularities, including technical failures and allegations of forged credentials, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory. Critics argued that this decision undermined the democratic process and reinforced perceptions of judicial partiality.
THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATION – JUSTICE FOR SALE
The judiciary’s compromised integrity has far-reaching economic consequences. Nigeria’s ranking in the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index continues to decline, with the country positioned 119th out of 140 nations in 2023. This deterioration deters both local and foreign investment, as businesses are reluctant to operate in environments where legal disputes may not be adjudicated fairly.
INTERNAL CORRUPTION – THE SUPREME COURT’S FINANCIAL SCANDALS
Beyond controversial rulings, the Supreme Court has been embroiled in financial scandals. A 2020 audit report revealed that the court spent over ₦12 billion in breach of financial regulations between 2017 and 2021. Infractions included payments for contracts without budgetary provisions, unauthorized sale of assets, and overpayments to contractors. Notably, ₦645 million appropriated for broadcast equipment in 2017 lacked proper documentation, raising concerns about financial mismanagement within the judiciary.
THE PEOPLE VS. THE SUPREME COURT – WHEN WILL JUSTICE RETURN?
The erosion of public trust in the judiciary poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy. When citizens perceive the courts as compromised, they may resort to extrajudicial measures, leading to societal instability. To restore faith in the judicial system, comprehensive reforms are imperative. These should include transparent appointment processes for justices, stringent anti-corruption measures, and mechanisms to insulate the judiciary from political interference.
Until such reforms are implemented, the Supreme Court risks remaining a symbol of injustice, betraying the very principles it was established to uphold. The Nigerian people deserve a judiciary that serves as a true arbiter of justice, free from corruption and political manipulation.