Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, has emphasized that election outcomes should be determined at the polling stations rather than through extended judicial processes. Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Tanko—who is a close associate of former presidential contender Peter Obi—highlighted the increasing reliance on court rulings to settle electoral disputes and its detrimental effect on Nigeria’s democratic system.
According to Tanko, elections must accurately represent the genuine choices of voters at the grassroots level. He cautioned that the habit of depending on court decisions for electoral matters could erode public trust in the voting process. Tanko stated, “We don’t want to allow any situation that forces us to go to court. Elections should be finalized at the polling units. Let us close this matter conclusively, identify the winner, and proceed without delay.”
He argued that the current trend of taking electoral disputes to court undermines the integrity of the electoral process and prolongs uncertainty. Tanko’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about electoral reforms in Nigeria, with many civil society groups and political actors advocating for mechanisms that ensure transparency and finality at the polling stage.