I remember when it was common practice for the Supreme Court to deliver decisions immediately after hearing a contentious appeal, especially in cases where the issues were sharply defined. During such hearings, counsel would be rigorously questioned by the Justices, almost like a doctoral viva. The Court would have studied the briefs in advance, identified the decisive legal points, and focused the entire hearing on testing those points.
In many instances, the intensity of questioning made it clear which way the Court was leaning. Counsel often found themselves unable to withstand the depth of interrogation on key issues. By the end of the hearing, seasoned observers in court could usually anticipate the likely outcome. When judgment was eventually announced, it rarely came as a surprise to anyone present.
Today, however, that approach appears to have largely given way to the practice of reserving judgment, sometimes for extended periods, even in cases involving narrow questions of law with no factual disputes. This raises concerns about delay, especially in politically sensitive matters.
One wonders why the Court no longer delivers immediate determinations in such cases, with detailed reasons supplied later. In an era where public confidence in the judiciary is often questioned, quicker resolution of clear-cut legal disputes could help strengthen trust and reduce speculation about possible external influence.
This concern becomes more pressing in electoral matters involving institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and major political parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Delays in resolving such disputes can create uncertainty around party status, candidate eligibility, and election preparedness.
Given the strict timelines governing elections, including preparations for the 2027 general elections, prolonged judicial determinations could potentially affect political planning and stability. If a Supreme Court decision were to alter the standing or structure of any major party close to an election cycle, it raises practical questions about whether affected parties would have sufficient time to reorganize and participate effectively.
Ultimately, the concern is not only about speed, but about balancing careful judicial reasoning with timely delivery of justice in matters that carry significant democratic consequences.
Published by Chuks Nwachuku
