Senator Mohammed Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, has raised alarm over the increasing tendency of defeated candidates using bribery to influence court judgements in election cases, describing it as a dangerous practice that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.
Aliero made the remarks during the opening of a retreat for Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters held at the Legend Hotel, Airport Road, Lagos.
He said the growing pattern of politicians resorting to the courts to overturn legitimate election results through corrupt means must be stopped, stressing that such actions weaken the integrity of the judiciary and erode citizens’ confidence in democracy.
“Perhaps he may not even challenge the election result. It has happened in the past — a situation where the loser will go to court after losing the election, and then he will bribe his way and get himself declared as winner,” Aliero stated.
Urgent Reforms Needed To Correct Menace
The senator warned that unless urgent reforms are introduced to strengthen the electoral and judicial systems, public trust in democratic institutions would continue to decline.
He revealed that lawmakers had spent over a year and a half conducting public hearings and working on proposed amendments to improve the Electoral Act 2022.
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“We will amend everything that needs to be amended so that there won’t be any ambiguity, inconsistency or discrepancy. We have observed several loopholes in the Electoral Act 2022, and we are working to close them to ensure free, fair and credible elections,” Aliero said.
He urged stakeholders to support the ongoing reform process, noting that genuine commitment to electoral integrity remains the foundation of a stable and accountable democracy.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
