A civil society organisation, the Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR), has accused the Presidency of mounting pressure on justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria over the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued in Abuja, the group’s spokesperson, Andy O. Chucks, alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, is attempting to influence the court to rule against ADC National Chairman David Mark and the party’s National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola.
The ADR further claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is allegedly being used to intimidate justices who do not comply with the government’s position. It also alleged that some members of the bench are being targeted with claims about their past as part of the purported pressure tactics.
According to the group, there are concerns that the ADC could be prevented from participating in the 2027 general elections, with claims that some political actors are seeking to weaken opposition parties.
The statement also alleged that government actions extended to limiting the party’s access to public venues during its recent national convention, forcing organisers to secure an alternative location at short notice.
The ADR said tensions are rising over what it described as interference in opposition party affairs, warning that such actions could undermine democratic processes. It added that some legal practitioners and the Nigerian Bar Association have expressed concern about alleged judicial interference in political matters.
Efforts to obtain official responses from the Presidency, the Attorney General’s office, the EFCC, and the Supreme Court were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The Supreme Court has already reserved judgment in the ADC leadership case, stating that a date for the ruling will be communicated to all parties.
The ADR called on the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and resist any form of interference as the case progresses.
