Nigerians have lost confidence in INEC, judiciary — PDP alleges

By Precious Mark

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral and judicial institutions is declining.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party alleged that growing skepticism about the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic process.

The Party warned that the credibility of the 2027 general elections could be undermined if the trend persists.

The PDP argued that public trust in democratic institutions remains critical, particularly at a time of economic hardship, as citizens must believe that elections provide a legitimate avenue for political accountability.

According to the Party, concerns over selective compliance with court decisions, judicial interventions in political disputes and questions surrounding electoral transparency have contributed to perceptions that key democratic institutions are becoming increasingly partisan.

The Party also raised concerns over recent government interventions in judicial infrastructure, arguing that while improved welfare and facilities for judicial officers are necessary, such initiatives should not create perceptions of executive influence over the judiciary.

“When the executive branch is seen as a benefactor to institutions expected to independently adjudicate electoral and constitutional disputes, public confidence in the principle of separation of powers is weakened,” the statement said.

The PDP further alleged that court decisions in recent political disputes have contributed to internal crises within opposition parties, thereby weakening alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition party warned that if the judiciary fails to maintain its independence and INEC is perceived as lacking neutrality, the 2027 elections risk losing their democratic character.

“If the judiciary becomes an echo chamber of executive influence and the electoral umpire is perceived as partisan, the 2027 elections will cease to be a democratic exercise and instead become a formal coronation of state capture,” the PDP stated.

The Party maintained that the stability of any democracy depends not on government patronage, but on strong institutions, adherence to the rule of law and the ability of citizens to hold leaders accountable through credible elections.