​‌‌​‍​‌‍⁠⁠‍‌⁠⁠​‍‌By Wandoo Sombo

Law Corridor, a law firm, on Thursday in Abuja urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credible elections in 2027, emphasising that electoral credibility begins before polling day and requires sustained institutional commitment.

The firm said accurate records, lawful procedures and meaningful public scrutiny were essential for the commission to earn public confidence and demonstrate transparency throughout the electoral process nationwide.

The firm’s Managing Partner, Mr Henry Eni-Otu, made the remarks at a news conference organised during Founders’ Week, which featured discussions on electoral accountability, institutional responsibilities and broader legal reforms.

Eni-Otu urged INEC to communicate applicable timelines clearly, create accessible opportunities for voters to inspect their records, and establish effective procedures for submitting claims, objections and corrections before elections nationwide.

He said the commission should also explain how compliance with political party membership register requirements would be verified and enforced, while observing lawful safeguards protecting individuals’ personal information and privacy.

Speaking on the firm’s concerns, Eni-Otu said Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026 addressed the display or publication of the voters’ register, while Section 77 covered political party membership registers and their submission to INEC before primaries, congresses and conventions.

He reiterated lawyers’ responsibility to defend the rule of law, advocate necessary reforms and strengthen institutions responsible for protecting human rights, dignity and democratic values within Nigerian society.

Eni-Otu also highlighted the need for mental health reforms, explaining that the issue required effective healthcare delivery, appropriate legal protection and sustained public investment to improve access nationwide.

He said the National Mental Health Act must receive adequate implementation support through accessible services, trained personnel and sufficient funding to ensure meaningful improvements in mental healthcare delivery.

The firm particularly advocated the decriminalisation of attempted suicide under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code, wherever those provisions remained applicable under existing law.

“A person who survives a suicide attempt needs immediate protection, medical assessment, treatment, and continuing support.

“The threat of prosecution can discourage timely intervention,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of Prof. Olanrewaju Aladeitan as a partner at the firm, marking another milestone in its professional development and institutional growth.

The firm said Aladeitan’s appointment, as a professor of Public and International Law, provided an opportunity to reflect on its journey, recognise contributors to its growth and renew its commitment to diligence, professional excellence, integrity and service.

The firm said Aladeitan brought more than two decades of experience in legal practice, scholarship, policy advisory and institutional leadership, adding considerable expertise to its professional capacity.

“His guidance, expertise, and commitment have been an important part of our development, we are therefore delighted to welcome him on board as a partner and look forward to his continued contribution to the firm’s growth,” Eni-Otu said.

The firm pledged to continue contributing through legal analysis, public-interest advocacy and constructive engagement with institutions responsible for reforms and meaningful service to society, while promoting accountability and institutional development.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru