Concerned over growing public distrust in Nigeria’s electoral system and judiciary, legal practitioners and civil society leaders have warned that the country’s democracy faces serious threats unless urgent reforms are implemented.

The warning was issued at the 2026 St. Thomas More Public Lecture organised by the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Abuja Chapter, with the theme: “Electoral Democracy in Nigeria and the 2026 Electoral Act.”

The President of the association, Dr. Obinna Ogbuagu, said lawyers could no longer remain silent in the face of challenges threatening justice and democratic governance.

He said the legal profession must continue to serve as the moral compass of society by defending integrity, social justice and the rule of law.

According to him, public confidence in institutions, particularly the courts, has suffered setbacks, stressing the need to rebuild trust so that the judiciary can remain “the last hope of the common man.”

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, accused political actors of exploiting the judiciary to weaken electoral democracy.

He alleged that judicial discretion had at times been abused to undermine the electoral process, adding that some individuals who did not participate in party primaries had emerged as lawmakers through legal processes.

“Politics has entered our courts,” Itodo said, warning that Nigerians must not become silent when democratic institutions are under pressure.

He also urged citizens not to lose faith in elections, arguing that low voter turnout makes electoral manipulation easier.

“The solution is not staying away from voting but to vote. An informed voter is a threat to riggers,” he said.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, said declining public confidence in elections was responsible for growing voter apathy.

She noted that many Nigerians had become cynical about electoral outcomes because of repeated concerns over credibility and transparency.

According to her, electoral laws alone cannot guarantee democracy without integrity among institutions, political actors and citizens.

“Electoral Acts can regulate elections, but only integrity can produce credible votes,” she said.

Badejo-Okusanya traced Nigeria’s electoral reforms from the return to democratic rule in 1999, noting that successive amendments to electoral laws were responses to weaknesses exposed by previous elections.

She said the country’s democratic progress depends not only on stronger laws but also on independent institutions, accountable leadership and citizens who defend democratic values.

In a remarks, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, P.D.pius charged lawyers to remain committed to justice, integrity and service to humanity.

He urged Catholic lawyers to examine their commitment to the profession and ensure their faith aligns with their duty as advocates of justice.

According to him, lawyers must be “light in places where justice is weighed and decisions are made,” stressing the need to defend the voiceless with courage and sincerity.

Pius reminded members that the legal profession requires more than technical expertise, saying it demands public witness through ethical practice and commitment to the common good.

The lecture was held in honour of Thomas More, the patron saint of lawyers, who was remembered for placing conscience and integrity above political convenience.