Edo Election Petition Poses Key Test For New CJN, Says Peterside

Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank and president of ANAP Foundation, suggests that the ongoing Edo State election petition may play a pivotal role in defining the tenure of Nigeria’s new Chief Justice. In a recent interview, Peterside shared concerns over alleged irregularities reported during the Edo State election, particularly around voter turnout discrepancies and the role of INEC in ensuring transparency.

Highlighting his observations on INEC’s portal (IReV), Peterside noted surprising results with unusually high turnout rates for one political party. He remarked that “if INEC’s credibility continues to decline, faith in Nigeria’s democracy could erode,” urging the electoral body to address the irregularities and restore public confidence.

Peterside expressed hope that the new Chief Justice could approach the Edo election case with impartiality and set a new standard for judicial accountability. He emphasized that this case, if handled transparently, could help reinforce democratic values in Nigeria and serve as a benchmark for the 2027 general elections.

Additionally, he called for comprehensive reforms beyond election oversight, addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, inflation, and subsidy issues, and advocating for policies that alleviate the financial burden on ordinary citizens.