By Our Correspondent
National News – Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, have warned that Nigeria could face an unusual situation in the 2027 presidential election where only one candidate may contest if judicial interference in party affairs continues.
The warning was issued during the fifth Comrade Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture held at the Airport Hotel in Lagos.
The event gathered labour leaders, civil society activists, and political commentators to reflect on the future of Nigeria’s democracy and governance.
Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, criticised what he described as increasing judicial involvement in the internal disputes of political parties.
According to him, conflicting court orders and legal manoeuvres could weaken opposition parties and ultimately produce a scenario where only one political party fields a presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
He warned that such a development would undermine democratic competition and could provoke unrest among citizens who feel deprived of meaningful electoral choices.
Falana urged labour unions, civil society groups, and political activists to organise strategically to defend democratic values and prevent the erosion of Nigeria’s political system.
The activist also linked his concerns to the recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise factions within the African Democratic Congress following a Court of Appeal ruling directing the commission to maintain the status quo in an ongoing leadership dispute.
Adams echoed Falana’s concerns, warning that Nigeria could gradually drift toward a one-party system if opposition voices continue to face suppression through legal and political mechanisms.
He compared the situation to the democratic struggles of the 1990s, urging Nigerians to resist injustice regardless of ethnic or political affiliation.
Several speakers at the event also called for restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system.
Falana argued that although restructuring debates continue, some state governments have not fully utilised powers already granted to them, including authority over electricity generation, railways, and correctional facilities.
Participants at the memorial lecture concluded that strengthening institutions, protecting judicial independence, and ensuring fair political competition would be crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future ahead of the 2027 elections.
