Growing anxiety over Nigeria’s democratic future took center stage in Lagos as Femi Falana and Gani Adams warned that continued judicial interference in party affairs could pave the way for a one-candidate presidential election in 2027.

The warning was issued at the fifth Comrade Yinka Odumakin Memorial Lecture, where both speakers raised alarm over what they described as a dangerous pattern of conflicting court orders and legal manipulation destabilising opposition parties.

Falana, who delivered the keynote lecture, argued that the increasing involvement of the judiciary in internal party disputes—despite restrictions in the Electoral Act—poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. He cautioned that if the trend continues unchecked, it could culminate in a scenario where only one political party is able to field a presidential candidate.

Referencing the recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to derecognise a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark, Falana described the development as part of a broader pattern that could erode electoral credibility.

He warned that such a trajectory could render elections meaningless, noting that a lack of genuine political competition may trigger public unrest if citizens feel disenfranchised.

“We must stop agonising and start organising,” Falana said, calling on civil society groups, labour unions, and activists to take proactive steps in defending democratic institutions—while also cautioning against poorly coordinated protests that could spiral into chaos.

Echoing similar concerns, Adams warned that Nigeria appears to be edging toward a one-party state, alleging that those in power are leveraging judicial processes to weaken opposition voices and consolidate control.

He urged Nigerians to resist political complacency, stressing that silence driven by ethnic or partisan loyalties could have long-term consequences as the country approaches a critical electoral cycle.

The remarks add to a growing chorus of concern over the intersection of law, politics, and electoral integrity in Nigeria. With tensions already heightened by disputes within opposition parties and controversies surrounding INEC’s decisions, analysts say the integrity of the judiciary and its role in political matters will remain a defining issue ahead of the 2027 general elections.