Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and Aare Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams warned on Thursday that Nigeria risks one presidential candidate in 2027. They cited ongoing judicial interference in party affairs as the key threat.
If courts keep meddling in internal political matters, opposition voices could vanish, they argued.
Judicial Meddling Undermines 2027 Election Democracy
This undermines democracy ahead of the general election, urging judicial restraint now political parties
They spoke at the fifth Comrade Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event drew prominent activists and labour leaders, creating a powerful gathering of voices.
Attendees included Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero, pushing for workers’ rights.
Also present were SaharaReporters publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore, plus Senior Advocate Olumide Fusika.
Their participation highlighted unity against judicial overreach in political affairs.
Odumakin Foundation Hosts Activist Powerhouse Lecture
The lecture was hosted by the President of the Oluyinka Odumakin Foundation, Dr Joe Odumakin, and also attracted activists such as Lanre Arogundade, Agba Jalingo, and Richard Akinola.
Delivering the memorial lecture, Falana alleged that conflicting court orders were increasingly being used to destabilise political parties.
According to him, the development could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system and reduce electoral competition.
Falana said, “Through the manipulation of Nigerian courts and senior lawyers, you may have only one candidate contesting the presidential election in this country.
“If that happens, Nigeria may not even need to spend money on a presidential election.”
Falana Slams INEC’s ADC Faction Snub
Falana spoke out against INEC’s announcement on the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The commission refused to recognize factions led by David Mark or Rafiu Bala.
This decision awaits a court case outcome challenging the party’s leadership.
Falana warned it signals broader judicial threats to Nigeria’s 2027 election democracy.
He criticised the judiciary for interfering in political party affairs despite provisions of the Electoral Act prohibiting such actions.
Falana: Democracy Threats Spark Nigerian Unrest
Falana warned that actions capable of undermining democracy could trigger unrest if Nigerians felt deprived of genuine electoral choices.
“We must stop agonising and start organising in the interest of our people and democracy,” he said.
Adams Warns Of Drift Towards One-Party System
Speaking in the same vein, Adams cautioned that Nigeria might be drifting towards a one-party state.
Adams said, “We are moving towards a one-party system. Those in power are using the judiciary to suppress the will of the people.
“We may end up having only one presidential candidate in Nigeria if care is not taken.”
He urged Nigerians not to remain silent simply because their ethnic group or political allies were currently in power.
Falana: Political Power Fleeting for All
Falana stressed that political power proves transient, fading quickly for all leaders.
He urged action now, warning that today’s silence invites tomorrow’s chains on the voiceless.
Injustice demands bold voices, he said, or the quiet will face retaliation later. Speaking out protects democracy from those who exploit unchecked power grabs.
Delivering a lecture titled “Can Nigeria’s Democracy Work without Restructuring?”
Falana argued that restructuring was already happening in Nigeria but largely in favour of the political elite.
He noted that Nigeria operated a more federal system during the First Republic, when regions controlled institutions such as the police, courts and local governments.
Falana said, “In 1963, there were about 45 items on the Exclusive List, but today we have about 68 items. Practically everything is controlled by Abuja.
“What we have now is more of a unitary system than a federal system.”
Falana Blasts States’ Restructuring Failures
Falana highlighted Nigeria’s restructuring calls amid state governments’ failures.
Despite devolved powers, they ignore key areas like electricity generation, leaving citizens in prolonged darkness.
Railways and prisons also languish under neglect, he added.
“Some of those who shout restructuring don’t believe in it.
How many states have generated electricity, built rail lines or established prisons? None, “he said.
Activists Raise Concerns Over Governance
Other speakers at the event also raised concerns about Nigeria’s political direction.
Olumide Fusika (SAN) warned that the country was approaching a dangerous point due to worsening insecurity.
Human rights activist Richard Akinola criticised what he described as the “incestuous relationship” between the executive and the judiciary, saying, “Politicians have hijacked the judiciary, and it is dangerous.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero pushed hard for restructuring and power devolution.
He slammed Nigeria’s centralized system as hijacked by elites profiting from unchecked control.
This cabal squeezes the masses dry, he argued, blocking progress for all.
Federalism Dismantles Cabal, Unleashes State Growth
True federalism would dismantle their grip, unleashing states to drive real development.
Also speaking at the event, activist Omoyele Sowore argued that current political and economic conditions could push Nigerians towards revolutionary change.
Sowore said, “These are revolutionary times if we take advantage of them.
“Tinubu is on a highway driving you to a revolution, and you still have not got the message.”
He added that Nigerians must take responsibility for shaping the country’s future.
The memorial lecture was held in honour of Comrade Yinka Odumakin, a late activist known for his role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
