The rule of law – a pillar for an enduring constitutional democracy: An appraisal of the Supreme Court decision in the case of Peter Obi v. INEC

Abstract

The principle of the Rule of Law which has for long become a central feature of the Western Liberal Democratic Government has seriously been undermined by the developing Third World Countries in Africa. In Nigeria the rate of executive lawlessness and abuse of power has been the order of the day. For example, elections have turned out to be a wasteful and unnecessary exercise. Not only that some electorates have been disenfranchised, there has been looting of ballot boxes, wanton rigging and announcing of unelected candidates contrary to the wishes of the people. Actions in court by the popular candidates at times do not make any difference since it takes donkey years to conclude. This work takes a look at the significance of the court’s decision in Peter Obi v. INEC which placed the law in the right position. The work also calls for the continuous vigilance of all and sundry towards the protection and maintenance of the rule of law since it is the duty not only for the judiciary, but for all citizens.