The Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, has hailed the November 5, 2026 judgment of Justice Peter O. Lifu as a significant blow against political impunity. Ajulo underscored the necessity for political parties to function within constitutional frameworks and electoral laws.
Ajulo, who also leads the Legal Matters Committee for the Ondo State All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, asserted that political parties should not be treated as private entities subject to individual manipulation. He emphasized that political leadership must arise from lawful processes rather than shortcuts.
In his statement, the Attorney-General noted that “democracy is not instant noodles,” reconfirming that political institutions must adhere to established rules for their operations. He pointed out that both the Constitution and electoral laws delineate specific procedures for party congresses, conventions, and leadership selection, warning that no political figure is above these regulations.
Ajulo referred to Section 223(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates periodic democratic elections within political parties and highlighted Section 40 that ensures the freedom of association without negating the legal frameworks governing political activities. He further referenced Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which outlines mandatory notification for party events aimed at electing officials, claiming these provisions prevent the arbitrary capture of party structures.
He mentioned several Supreme Court rulings that affirm the obligation of political parties to comply with their internal constitutions, illustrating the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding internal democracy. “No political personality, however influential, can stand above the rules that govern the institution through which he or she seeks power,” he noted.
Highlighting what he termed as “microwave party politics,” Ajulo condemned practices that involve hastily assembling political structures without proper procedures, which he argues pose a threat to internal democracy. He stated, “Leadership cannot be assembled in a political kitchen, seasoned with influence and served as legitimacy. It must be properly constituted through lawful and credible processes.”
While acknowledging the right of political parties to appeal judicial decisions, he noted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) plans to contest the judgment. He emphasized the importance of the appellate courts in addressing legal issues arising from the ruling, including previous judgments handed down by courts of equal jurisdiction. However, he cautioned against using the appeal process to overlook constitutional ethics in internal party governance.
Ajulo described the judiciary as a crucial component of democracy, asserting that it should protect democratic institutions rather than serve as an impediment to their development. He clarified that his stance is focused on legal principles rather than partisan interests, stating, “You cannot break the rules to build a political party and then invoke democracy to defend the breach.”
