Professor Anthony Kila, Director of the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), has expressed concern over what he described as the judiciary’s growing involvement in Nigeria’s political affairs, warning that the trend could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
Speaking on ARISE News, Kila reacted to the Federal High Court judgment that set aside an earlier ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
“The judiciary is getting too much involved in politics and they’re not doing well,” Kila said, arguing that courts should avoid creating the impression that they are determining political outcomes rather than resolving legal disputes.
He urged judicial officers to exercise caution in politically sensitive cases, saying their decisions should reflect both legal principles and their broader impact on Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Kila also criticised political parties for relying on litigation to resolve internal disputes instead of strengthening internal conflict-resolution mechanisms. He called for reforms to enhance judicial independence, including changes to the appointment process for judges and greater financial autonomy, saying stronger constitutional safeguards are needed to protect public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
