Prominent lawyer and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has stirred fresh controversy over Nigeria’s electoral system, declaring that any Nigerian who becomes a member of a political party is qualified to contest elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Okonkwo did not hold back as he raised serious concerns about the credibility of the judiciary, especially in handling election-related cases. Alot of people won’t agree with this, Watch Video Now.
“Once you’re a member of a political party, you are qualified to contest election,” he stated firmly.
Okonkwo argued that the real problem affecting the judiciary is not lack of knowledge or competence, but what he described as complicity in certain high-profile decisions. According to him, public trust begins to fade when court rulings appear to be influenced by factors outside the law.
He also clarified a key issue many Nigerians misunderstand—the Electoral Act 2022 requirement for party membership lists. According to Okonkwo, this rule applies to political parties submitting their registers, not to individuals joining at any time. This means, in his view, that once someone is a registered member, they should be free to contest if other conditions are met.
“The law should guide decisions, not interpretations that confuse Nigerians,” he stressed.
For Nigerians closely watching electoral matters, the full explanation of Okonkwo’s legal argument and what it means for future elections is eye-opening—see it here.
His remarks have reignited debate about how courts interpret election laws and how those decisions shape Nigeria’s democracy. Many now wonder if clearer rules and stricter adherence to the law could restore confidence in the system.
What do you think—should party membership alone qualify someone to contest elections, or should there be stricter rules? Drop your opinion in the comment section and share this with someone interested in Nigeria’s political future—this debate is just getting started.
— Reported by TimesNG Global Desk