A civil society organisation, the Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR), has accused the Presidency of attempting to influence proceedings at the Supreme Court of Nigeria in an ongoing legal dispute involving the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Andy O. Chucks, the group alleged that President Bola Tinubu, acting through the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, is mounting undue pressure on justices of the apex court to deliver a ruling unfavorable to ADC leaders, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
According to the ADR, the alleged pressure tactics include the use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate members of the judiciary. The group claimed that justices who fail to align with the supposed expectations of the federal government risk scrutiny over past records, a move it described as a threat to judicial independence.
The statement further alleged that the Presidency is determined to prevent the ADC from participating in the 2027 general elections, claiming that efforts are underway to weaken the party through legal and administrative means. It also referenced remarks allegedly attributed to Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, suggesting that the party should be destabilized internally.
In addition, the ADR claimed that during the ADC’s recent national convention, the party faced difficulties securing public venues, alleging that access was denied until a last-minute arrangement was made at an alternative location.
The group warned that such actions, if proven, could undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions and fuel perceptions of a drift toward a one-party system. It also stated that tensions are rising nationwide over concerns of political interference in opposition affairs.
Mr. Chucks added that some legal practitioners and members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have expressed concern over what he described as “judicial meddling” in political party matters, particularly in cases where jurisdiction is contested.
Citing unnamed sources, the ADR further claimed that some Supreme Court justices are reluctant to revisit earlier decisions related to the case, reportedly out of concern that doing so could damage public confidence in the judiciary. This position, the group alleged, has created friction with elements within the executive arm of government.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain official responses from the Presidency, the Office of the Attorney General, the EFCC, and the Supreme Court were unsuccessful. None of the institutions named in the allegations has publicly confirmed or addressed the claims.
The Supreme Court has already reserved judgment in the ADC leadership case, stating that a date for its ruling will be communicated to the parties involved.
The ADR concluded its statement by urging the judiciary to remain steadfast and resist any form of intimidation, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Analysts note that the allegations remain unverified, but they highlight growing tensions around the intersection of politics and the judiciary as the country gradually approaches the 2027 elections.
