Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Kanu Agabi, has criticized politicians who rig elections, arguing that they lack the moral grounds to call upon God for help when they face difficulties.
Agabi made these remarks during a recent appearance on Channels Television on Sunday.
He emphasized that those who have doubts about the credibility of Nigeria’s elections have every right to seek justice through the courts. Agabi pointed out that Nigeria’s core issue is not the 1999 constitution, but the individuals responsible for enforcing the nation’s laws.
“The problem isn’t with the laws but with having ‘good people’ to enforce them. As a nation, we need to reform ourselves,” he stressed.
The former justice minister also highlighted that the judiciary is overburdened with electoral disputes because many of Nigeria’s elections are tainted by “justifiable suspicions.” He acknowledged that while the judiciary is often criticized, it remains the most reliable arm of government.
“We constantly discuss judicial reforms and criticize the judges. However, the reality is we have very competent judges. Though the judiciary is not perfect, it is still the best branch of government. The issue is that judges face overwhelming caseloads — sometimes up to 30 or 40 cases a day — making it impossible for them to cope effectively,” Agabi explained.
He attributed the pressure on the courts to the prevalence of election-related disputes. “A significant percentage of elections are contested in court, and this is because the elections themselves raise valid suspicions,” he stated.
Agabi also condemned the rigging of party primaries, adding a moral and spiritual dimension to his argument. “If you’ve stolen the office you occupy, can you expect God to work with you? Can you pray over that office and expect to do any good?” he questioned.
He concluded by referencing St. Paul, saying, “Whatever office you hold, you must be able to claim it is by the grace of God. If you cannot say that, then calling on God in such circumstances is an abomination.”
Agabi’s comments come amid growing calls for electoral and judicial reform in Nigeria, as citizens increasingly question the integrity of the nation’s political processes.