A civil society organization, the Alliance for Democratic Rights ADR, has raised serious allegations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming the administration is exerting undue influence on Supreme Court justices in a sensitive legal dispute involving the leadership of the African Democratic Congress ADC.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by spokesperson Andy O. Chucks, the group alleged that pressure is being applied through the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to sway the court against ADC National Chairman Senator David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola.
According to the statement, the Presidency is reportedly leveraging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC as a tool of intimidation, warning that justices who do not align with the government’s position could face scrutiny. The group further claimed that some members of the bench are being targeted with allegations about their past as part of a broader strategy to influence the outcome of the case.
The accusations go further, alleging that President Tinubu is determined to prevent the ADC from appearing on the ballot in the 2027 general elections. The statement cited unnamed northern governors from the ruling All Progressives Congress APC who allegedly revealed that the President intends to use the judiciary to undermine the opposition party.
The group also pointed to remarks allegedly made by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, claiming he openly called for the dismantling of the ADC. In addition, ADR said the government obstructed the party’s recent national convention by denying access to public venues, forcing organizers to secure a park at the last minute.
Amid these claims, ADR warned that tensions are escalating nationwide, with concerns growing about interference in opposition politics and the possibility of a drift toward a one party system. The group noted that legal experts and the Nigerian Bar Association NBA have criticized what they describe as judicial overreach in internal party matters despite questions about jurisdiction.
An insider account cited in the statement suggested that Supreme Court justices are hesitant to overturn earlier rulings in the case, fearing that doing so would damage public trust in the judiciary. This reluctance is said to have caused frustration within the Presidency.
The group also claimed that the case has drawn attention from the international community, signaling its broader implications for democratic governance in Nigeria.
Attempts to obtain official responses from the Presidency, the Office of the Attorney General, the EFCC, and the Supreme Court were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the ADC leadership dispute and indicated that a decision date will be communicated to all parties. Meanwhile, the Alliance for Democratic Rights has urged the judiciary to stand firm, uphold the rule of law, and resist any form of external pressure or intimidation.
