Former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami (rtd), has stirred fresh debate over Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, declaring that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, ought not to have been allowed to contest the presidential poll under the Labour Party (LP).
Justice Salami attributed what he described as judicial errors to gaps in competence among some judges, insisting that flawed rulings also affected the case of Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf.
The retired jurist spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State, during a courtesy visit by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), where he received an award presented by its founder, Dapo Olorunyomi, and Executive Director, Motunrayo Alaka.
Salami raised concerns about declining standards within the judiciary, noting that some judges lack the academic and professional grounding required for the bench. According to him, the problem is not necessarily dishonesty but inadequate preparation and experience.
He criticised the process of judicial appointments, pointing to what he described as the elevation of underqualified individuals, including those without sufficient courtroom exposure. He linked this trend to the rapid expansion of law faculties across the country, which he said may have contributed to a drop in quality.
On the 2023 presidential election, Salami argued that Obi’s candidacy did not align with constitutional provisions. He maintained that the Labour Party had already submitted its membership list to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before Obi joined, raising questions about his eligibility under the law.
He made a similar claim regarding Governor Yusuf, stating that his name was absent from the register of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), despite being issued a membership card. He expressed surprise that the Supreme Court upheld the situation after lower courts had raised objections.
Salami further criticised the promotion system within the judiciary, arguing that merit is sometimes sidelined in favour of regional considerations. He said vacancies allocated by zones have led to less experienced judges being elevated above their seniors, weakening the overall quality of the Supreme Court.
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Reflecting on his own career, Salami noted that some judges he mentored at the Court of Appeal were later appointed to the Supreme Court ahead of him due to the absence of a vacancy in his zone.
He expressed appreciation to the WSCIJ for the honour, describing the award as a meaningful gesture that would inspire integrity within the judiciary.
Salami also acknowledged the influence of Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, whose principles, he said, shaped his views on national issues. He further recalled that late nationalist leader, Obafemi Awolowo, inspired his decision to study law during his treason trial.
