Obasanjo Slams Judiciary, INEC Over Corruption and Electoral Manipulation

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has accused Nigeria’s judiciary and electoral system of being deeply compromised, describing them as obstacles to the country’s stability and democracy.

In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo alleged that the judiciary has degenerated into “a court of corruption rather than a court of justice,” warning that the collapse of integrity within the system poses a grave threat to the nation.

“The reputation of the Nigerian judiciary has steadily declined from one era to the next. The speed of its fall, particularly in the Fourth Republic, is lamentable,” he wrote.

The former president recounted being shown six duplexes allegedly owned by a judge who had enriched himself while presiding over election tribunals—an example he said reflects the depth of corruption undermining the justice system.

Turning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Obasanjo accused its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, of “polluting and grossly undermining” elections since 2015. According to him, politicians have little faith in polls where results are manipulated, leaving judges at tribunals and appellate courts to determine outcomes above the will of the people.

He further alleged that former President Muhammadu Buhari conspired with the judiciary in previous elections, rewarding judges who ruled in his favour with money and appointments.

“After false results are declared, turning winners into losers and losers into winners, the victim is told to go to court—a court of corruption rather than a court of justice,” Obasanjo concluded.