Mr Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has sounded the alarm over what he describes as the “collapse of democracy” in Nigeria, claiming that the country no longer operates under a true democratic system. Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme on Wednesday, Fayose asserted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is no longer functional and that the judiciary has become the de facto ruler of the nation. He argued that since 2011, every president has been involved in legal battles, making the courts the ultimate arbiters of power in Nigeria.
Fayose stated that the current political landscape is dominated by judicial decisions rather than electoral outcomes, suggesting that Nigeria is now governed “by the court and for the court.” He pointed out that the construction of luxurious houses for judges is symbolic of the judiciary’s growing influence and power in national affairs. According to him, this trend undermines the principles of democracy and shifts power away from the people and their elected representatives.
He emphasized that the 2027 general elections are likely to follow the same pattern, with results ultimately decided in courtrooms rather than polling units. “We will have a coronation,” he warned, adding that Nigeria is now ruled by “dictators who are not in military uniforms.” Fayose’s comments highlight his deep concern over the erosion of democratic institutions and the increasing politicization of the judiciary.
He also criticized the treatment of opposition political parties, specifically naming the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Fayose claimed these parties have been systematically dismantled and pushed “to square zero” by the ruling establishment. He suggested that this suppression of dissenting voices further weakens the democratic process and limits genuine political competition.
Fayose’s remarks come amid growing public debate over the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems. His critique echoes broader concerns from civil society groups and political observers about the need for electoral reforms and judicial independence. While his statements are strong and critical, they reflect a growing sentiment among some Nigerians who believe the country’s democratic foundations are under strain.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, Fayose’s warnings serve as a call for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral process and ensure that power is truly transferred through the ballot box, not the courtroom. The future of Nigerian democracy may depend on how seriously these concerns are addressed in the coming years.
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