2027: Let Nigerians decide your emergence, ex-NBA chairman tells politicians

A former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Kano Branch, Sagir Gezewa, has advised political actors to allow the 2027 general election to be decided by voters, saying court is not supposed to decide for people.

Gezewa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who argued that Nigerians should be free to express their will and politicians should accept the outcome, disclosed that pre-election cases already litter different courts.

The senior lawyer spoke to journalists in Abuja on the sideline of a reception organised in his honour following his conferment with the rank alongside 67 other legal practitioners.

Daily Trust reports that different political parties are currently facing one or two court cases following the outcome of the primary elections that were held in May in addition to the recent stance of INEC on electoral Act.

Speaking, the former NBA chairman noted that it was expedient for lawyers to maintain their integrity because they have a responsibility to uphold justice and the rule of law if election disputes eventually end up in court.

“Let the election be determined at the ballot. Let Nigerians be allowed to express themselves freely and then fairly. And then let the actors also accept the will of Nigerians,” the senior lawyer said.

Gezewa noted that, in previous election cycles, numerous pre-election cases would already have been pending in court by this stage, unlike the situation ahead of the 2027 polls.

He added, “If in any case it turns out to be or ends up to be in court, I will call on all of us as ministers in the temple of justice to be on the side of justice, to be on the side of rule of law, to be on the side of Nigerians in advocating our cases or presenting our cases for and on behalf of our clients.”

The senior advocate also suggested that the difference might reflect the amended Electoral Act 2026.

With his elevation, Gezewa said he would remain committed to the administration of justice, the rule of law and the development of legal practice in Nigeria.