Obi’s aide says elections should be decided at polling units, not in courts.

By James Ogunnaike

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, has called for a sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral system. He argues that election results should be finalized at polling stations, rather than being left to lengthy court proceedings.

Tanko made the statement on Wednesday during an interview on the current‑affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese‑Ijebu, Ogun State. He discussed the growing reliance on judicial intervention to resolve electoral disputes and its impact on the country’s democracy.

According to Tanko, the increasing trend of litigation after elections erodes public confidence and shifts democratic decision‑making away from the electorate.

He warned that a persistent judicialisation of results risks undermining the sanctity of the ballot box and distorting the true will of voters at the grassroots level.

“Elections should be done and dusted at the polling units. We will not want to give any opportunity for us to go to any court whatsoever,” Tanko said.

While acknowledging that the Constitution provides for legal redress, the Obidient Movement leader contended that excessive court dependence turns a straightforward democratic exercise into a protracted cycle of legal battles.

He noted that this trend creates uncertainty in governance, as elected officials spend valuable time defending their mandates in court instead of focusing on service delivery.

“Let’s deal with this issue once and for all, establish the winner, and move on,” he added.

Tanko also observed that persistent litigation has created a growing disconnect between citizens and the democratic process. Many Nigerians now believe that elections are not truly concluded until validated by the judiciary.

He said this perception fuels voter apathy, as people question whether their votes genuinely determine outcomes.

To reduce post‑election disputes, Tanko stressed the importance of strengthening transparency and credibility at polling units.

“When results are clear, transparent and credible from the polling units, the incentive to challenge them in court will naturally reduce,” he stated.

He warned that over‑reliance on judicial pronouncements could weaken democratic institutions and deepen political divisions across the country.

Tanko urged political actors to embrace sportsmanship and accept credible electoral outcomes in good faith, rather than resorting immediately to litigation.

He argued that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on restoring finality to the ballot and ensuring that elections are not only free and fair but also credible enough to withstand public scrutiny without routine judicial validation.

Once elections are transparently conducted at the grassroots, the frequency of post‑election court cases would decline significantly, thereby strengthening public trust in democracy and governance.

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