A political analyst Prof Anthony Kila has raised concerns over what he described as the "weaponization of the judiciary" in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the country's democracy and institutional independence.
Speaking during a televised political discussion, the analyst argued that while political parties must be reformed internally to ensure transparency and fairness, the judiciary must also be protected from political interference.
According to him, political parties should prioritize internal democracy by conducting free and fair primaries, discouraging the imposition of candidates, and ensuring that no individual exercises undue control over party structures.
"We need to ensure that political parties follow the right procedures. We need to ensure that nobody imposes candidates. We need to ensure that primaries are free and fair. We need to ensure that parties have true ideas, if not ideology," he said.
Turning to the courts, the analyst claimed that the judiciary has increasingly become a tool in political battles.
"It is true that the judiciary is being weaponized. You have to be intellectually blind or morally mischievous not to see that in this country," he stated.
He argued that politicians who rely on the courts to settle internal party disputes are weakening democratic institutions.
"Shame on the politicians who weaponize the judiciary. They are the corruptors of democracy. They are not capable of managing their affairs internally, so they run to judges to destroy parties and people's political careers," he said.
The analyst also questioned the independence of the judiciary, suggesting that financial dependence on the executive arm weakens the courts.
"My understanding is that we live in a system where the executive buys judges' official cars and provides their housing. If you want true judicial independence, you need financial independence, social status, and institutional equality with the executive and legislative arms," he argued.
As part of his recommendations, he proposed constitutional reforms that would remove the executive's role in appointing judges.
"Let us reform our Constitution and ensure that no president or governor nominates anybody to any bench anymore. Let the judiciary operate independently," he said.
The analyst further called for stricter accountability within the judicial system, arguing that allegations of judicial misconduct should be addressed promptly.
"If a judge delivers a judgment that amounts to judicial rascality, the appropriate disciplinary institutions should respond immediately. There must be consequences where wrongdoing is established, because systems work when good conduct is rewarded and misconduct is sanctioned," he said.
Commenting on reports that Senator Seriake Dickson had indicated that his party was open to alliances with other political parties while pursuing an appeal, the analyst described the move as a pragmatic political strategy.
He noted that pursuing legal remedies through the appellate courts remains the proper constitutional path while political actors simultaneously explore coalition-building.
The discussion concluded with a broader conversation on strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions.
The analyst maintained that beyond constitutional reforms, Nigeria needs stronger institutions capable of acting independently, enforcing accountability, and responding swiftly to threats against democratic governance.
He argued that preserving democracy requires not only independent courts but also political parties that are internally democratic and institutions that are resilient enough to resist political capture.
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