One of the major factors affecting democracy in Nigeria is the loss of confidence by the masses on the judiciary and its rulings when there is an infringement on individual or collective rights and privileges. This research examines the influence of politics over law; specifically electorates’ perceptions of the Akwa Ibom State election petition tribunal and courts verdicts. The survey research design was utilized in this study for the collection of factual data that are measurable and quantifiable. Data were collected using questionnaires as well as the aggregated observation of the researchers. The study also relied on systematic qualitative content analysis of secondary sources of data. Two hypotheses were generated and tested using Chi-square (X2) at 0.05 level of significance. This paper argues that the judiciary’s handling of the case has been one that shows the pursuit of equity and justice rather than one which clings to the whims and caprices of political juggernaut, and at such, the court decisions have been independent of political preferences. It is recommended that political parties and powerful individuals should refrain from all illegal means to attain public positions which are the basis for election petitions. Also, if a re-run election would be conducted, INEC officials are expected to be politically neutral, and security agencies must be on the look-out to ensure peace and order.
Consolidation, Court verdicts, Democratic, Election petition, Law, Politics
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development - IJTSRD having
online ISSN 2456-6470. IJTSRD is a leading Open Access, Peer-Reviewed International
Journal which provides rapid publication of your research articles and aims to promote
the theory and practice along with knowledge sharing between researchers, developers,
engineers, students, and practitioners working in and around the world in many areas
like Sciences, Technology, Innovation, Engineering, Agriculture, Management and
many more and it is recommended by all Universities, review articles and short communications
in all subjects. IJTSRD running an International Journal who are proving quality
publication of peer reviewed and refereed international journals from diverse fields
that emphasizes new research, development and their applications. IJTSRD provides
an online access to exchange your research work, technical notes & surveying results
among professionals throughout the world in e-journals. IJTSRD is a fastest growing
and dynamic professional organization. The aim of this organization is to provide
access not only to world class research resources, but through its professionals
aim to bring in a significant transformation in the real of open access journals
and online publishing.