THE JUDICIARY AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN NIGERIA: A REFLECTION ON THE 2019 PRE-ELECTION INTRA-PARTY CONFLICTS

Abstract

The role of the judiciary as an arbiter is unquantifiable if taken from the purview that democracy promotes ventilation of diverse interests and equally provides a rancour free process for amicable resolution of interests, opinions, options and selections-induced conflicts. This brings about the undeniable role of the judiciary as a contributor to democratic sustenance. Though, the 2019 general elections have come and gone but the memories of judicial deprivation of some contestants from participation and losers eventually becoming winner will linger for a long time in Nigeria's tortuousefforts at democratic sustenance. Above draws applause, rejection or reservation amongst Nigerians. Why is this so? Where lies the blame? What lessons have been learnt? It was observed that parties primaries as a prelude to the 2019 general elections has proven that Nigerian political parties internal selection process for parties flag bearers was sort of an acceptable democratic standard. The paper therefore, seeks to establish that there is a connection between democracy, political parties and the judiciary. It therefore recommended that the judiciary's role as an arbiter and interpreter of the constitution and adherence to the rules by political parties must not be under estimated in Nigeria's quest for democratic consolidation. The paper relies on the secondary sources and adopted rule of law principle as the theoretical framework.