THE DOCTRINE OF POLITICAL QUESTION IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The principle that certain issues are more appropriately addressed by the executive or legislative branches of government, rather than by the judiciary has come to stay in the Nigerian electoral process. This doctrine emphasizes the boundaries of judicial intervention in politically sensitive matters, particularly regarding elections and related controversies. Nigeria gained her independence in 1960 and this doctrine has resurfaced in Nigeria’s political landscape. This doctrine has a lot to do in the survival of our democratic journey. This paper examines the doctrine of political question in historical perspectives to wit: colonial period and early post-independence era (1960s), military era (1966–1999), post-military era and democratic transition era (1999–2000s), electoral disputes period (2000s–2010s), judicial activism and political question in election cases era (2010s–present). We shall equally look at political question and legislative oversight. This study will help us to know the past as well as the present. It will help us to position our democratic institutions for the future. The study will equally provoke further discussions on the subject matter. This study will go a long way in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy most especially the doctrine of separation of powers.