In a recent statement, Uwemedimo Nwoko, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former
Attorney General of Akwa Ibom, has voiced strong criticism
of Nigeria’s election system, as reported by VANGUARD.
Speaking about the recent Edo governorship election, Nwoko said that Nigeria will not experience free and fair elections under the current leadership.
Nwoko’s comments reflect a deep disappointment with the state of governance and the judiciary in Nigeria.
He argued that there is no reason to expect improvements in the election process as long as the same leaders remain in power.
According to him, the present political class lacks the
moral and legal integrity needed to
support fair elections.
He explained that the judiciary is also under pressure and faces serious challenges.
Nwoko highlighted that justices are being manipulated, not just through bribery but also through threats.
He said that some people visit judges’ homes to intimidate them into making decisions that align with their interests.
The senior lawyer believes the combination of weak leadership and a compromised judiciary means that hopes for free elections are unrealistic.
He added that Nigeria should not waste time
hoping for improvements without addressing the underlying
issues of corruption and intimidation.
“I think for now Nigeria should just forget about free and fair elections or free and fair judiciary because it won’t work. If we want to be honest with ourselves, there’s no point hoping against hope, no need for us wasting our time. What is the moral pedigree of the present crop of leaders? What is their legal pedigree, what do they have to show in terms of decency in life? I will say it anywhere, Nigerians cannot have free and fair elections with the present crop of leaders and the judiciary will continue to be a victim. Our justices are individuals and we have people who know how to connive and threaten justices. This is not just about bribing them, people go to justices’ houses and threaten them to bend their will,” he said.