A senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has raised concerns about the lopsided composition of justices of the Supreme Court.

He specifically cited the recent presidential election appeal involving Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Ozekhome, the constitution of Nigeria provides for 21 jurists to ensure balanced representation. He observed that currently, there are only 10 justices, with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) not fully sitting as an administrative officer.

Ozekhome questioned the ability of the Supreme Court to effectively perform its duties with such limited numbers and called for a deeper analysis of the court’s verdict on the case, as it carries significant policy implications.

He also criticised the disregard for the technological advancements in the 2022 Electoral Act, which he believes have been undermined by the court’s decision.

Responding to retired Justice Musa Dattijo Mohammad’s remarks accusing the CJN of abuse of powers, a human rights lawyer, P. D. Pius, praised the integrity and uprightness of the Supreme Court judges, especially considering the temptations they face from wealthy individuals

“What a class of upright men! Given the opportunity, most Nigerians would have just turned the Supreme Court to a cash and carry market considering the salaries of the judges and what they are tempted with,” he added.