Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, has stirred debate after claiming that politicians place greater importance on winning the support of judges than securing the votes of citizens.
Speaking on the country’s political system, Odinkalu alleged that electoral outcomes are increasingly determined in the courts rather than at the ballot box.
According to him, politicians focus heavily on maintaining close relationships with members of the judiciary because they believe legal decisions can ultimately decide who holds public office.
«“The politicians don’t need our votes to get to power. Who do they need? The judges. That is why Nyesom Wike is building mansions for judges. That is why state governors are donating Prados and Land Cruisers to judges across the states. That is why they’re making sure judges are the best-paid people in Nigeria. Meanwhile, governors who cannot pay the minimum wage are feeding judges with the kind of money and emoluments you cannot add up,” Odinkalu said.»
The remarks have generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating the role of the judiciary in the country’s electoral process and governance.
Odinkalu’s comments come amid ongoing public discussions about judicial independence, election petitions, and the influence of the courts in determining political outcomes in Nigeria.
