The Judiciary and Public Trust on Election Disputes in Nigeria 2019-2023

Abstract

The judiciary impartiality and transparency are central to fostering confidence in the electoral process particularly during the contested elections. The incidence that characterized adjudication in election disputes between 2019 to 2023 has necessitated the need for judicial independence in election dispute in Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed methods approach which combines qualitative analysis of court cases related to 2019 and 2023 general elections with quantitative surveys of public perception regarding the judicial handling of election disputes. Case studies of key election petitions were analyzed to ascertain the Judiciary’s role in upholding democratic principles. Theoretical framework of Institutional Integrity theory and procedural justice underpin the study focusing on the relationship between legal outcomes and public trust in the judiciary. The findings reveal that while the judiciary has largely maintained professionalism, challenges such as political interference, delayed judgements and inconsistence rulings have undermined public confidence. In conclusion, the judiciary’s ability to adjudicate election disputes impartially is crucial for the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. The study recommends enhancing judicial independence, expediting electoral dispute resolutions and fostering greater public awareness of judicial process to strengthen public trust in electoral outcomes.