Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly alleged that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking to use the judiciary to weaken the Action Democratic Congress, drawing parallels with what he described as past political manoeuvres that affected the Peoples Democratic Party.
Atiku made the remarks during a recent visit to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai at his Abuja residence. In comments circulated by his media aides and widely shared on social media, the former vice president urged members of the ADC to remain united and resist what he characterised as attempts at intimidation by the ruling All Progressives Congress.
As of the time of this report, there is no official statement from the Presidency confirming or responding directly to Atiku’s specific allegation of a coordinated judicial strategy against the ADC. Similarly, there has been no formal communication from the Federal Ministry of Justice or the National Judicial Council indicating any action targeting the ADC as an institution. Independent verification of any judicial proceeding designed to undermine the party has not been established through official court records or public filings.
Atiku’s statement appears to be rooted in broader political tensions that have characterised Nigeria’s opposition landscape in recent years. After leaving the PDP, the former vice president aligned himself with the ADC, positioning the party as a potential vehicle for opposition consolidation. His recent remarks suggest concern that internal legal disputes, regulatory interventions, or court actions could be used to destabilise opposition structures ahead of future electoral contests.
The allegation referencing tactics previously used against the PDP touches on long-standing intra-party conflicts that played out in courtrooms during and after electoral cycles. The PDP experienced multiple legal battles over leadership legitimacy, candidate nominations, and factional disputes. However, those proceedings were initiated by party members and rival factions, and courts adjudicated based on petitions brought before them. There has been no judicial finding that those disputes were orchestrated by the executive arm of government.
Political analysts contacted for comment indicate that accusations of judicial interference are not uncommon in Nigeria’s competitive political environment. They note that opposition figures often raise concerns about institutional bias, especially when court decisions affect party leadership or electoral outcomes. However, constitutional experts caution that such claims require substantiation through documented evidence of executive interference, such as directives, communications, or procedural irregularities traceable to government actors.
Regarding the reported attempt to arrest El-Rufai upon his return from Egypt, there is currently no confirmed record from the Nigeria Police Force or any federal security agency verifying that an arrest was attempted at an airport or other entry point. Aviation authorities and security agencies have not issued statements supporting that narrative. Without corroborating documentation, the claim remains unverified.
The ADC has not released a formal policy paper or detailed complaint outlining specific legal actions it believes are part of a coordinated campaign. Party officials who have spoken publicly have largely echoed Atiku’s call for vigilance and unity but have not cited a particular court case or judicial directive as evidence of systemic targeting.
From a constitutional standpoint, Nigeria’s judiciary operates independently under the 1999 Constitution, with appointments and disciplinary processes overseen by the National Judicial Council. While concerns about judicial integrity and political influence have periodically surfaced in national discourse, proving executive control over court decisions requires demonstrable evidence beyond political rhetoric.
Supporters of the Tinubu administration argue that the government has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to institutional independence and the rule of law. They maintain that ongoing legal disputes involving political parties are matters for the courts and reflect internal party dynamics rather than executive orchestration. To date, no presidential directive or policy statement has been published indicating any intention to weaken the ADC through judicial means.
The broader context of Atiku’s comments reflects intensifying political realignment ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. Opposition coalitions are actively reorganising, and leadership figures are recalibrating alliances. In such an atmosphere, assertions about institutional manipulation tend to resonate strongly among party loyalists but also invite scrutiny regarding factual grounding.
Legal scholars emphasise that allegations of judicial weaponisation are serious and warrant careful examination. If substantiated, such claims could raise constitutional concerns about separation of powers and democratic integrity. However, absent concrete documentation or official acknowledgment, the assertions remain within the realm of political contention rather than established fact.
For now, the matter underscores the continuing contest over narratives in Nigeria’s political arena. Atiku’s remarks have amplified debate about institutional neutrality, while the absence of formal evidence leaves room for interpretation and further inquiry. Observers expect that if specific judicial actions emerge that the ADC believes to be politically motivated, the party may seek legal redress or present documented claims to appropriate oversight bodies.
Until then, the Presidency’s silence on the allegation and the lack of confirmed judicial measures against the ADC leave the claim unverified within official records. The situation remains fluid, and further developments may clarify whether the issue evolves into a formal constitutional dispute or remains part of the ongoing political rhetoric shaping Nigeria’s opposition discourse.
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