A civil society group, the Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR), has alleged that the Presidency is exerting undue pressure on Supreme Court justices in relation to a case involving the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja and signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Andy O. Chucks, the group claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, is influencing judicial proceedings against the ADC’s National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.
According to the group, the alleged pressure includes the use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate justices if they do not “align with the Federal Government’s position.” It also claimed that some justices were being subjected to scrutiny over their past conduct as part of what it described as a broader pressure strategy.
Mr. Chucks further alleged that President Tinubu had expressed a position that the ADC should not appear on the ballot for the 2027 general elections.
“Some northern governors of the ruling APC disclosed to our leaders that the President told them he would use the judiciary to scuttle the ADC,” the statement read.
The group also alleged that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, instructed that the party should be “disrupted,” claims which have not been independently verified.
ADR further stated that during the ADC’s recent national convention, the party was allegedly denied access to public venues until a location was secured at the last minute.
Mr. Chucks said the situation was contributing to rising political tension, warning that it could encourage perceptions of interference in opposition party activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also claimed that legal experts and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had criticized what he described as attempts at interference in judicial and political processes.
The group added that, according to insider accounts it received, Supreme Court justices are cautious about altering earlier rulings in the ongoing ADC leadership dispute, warning that such a move could affect public confidence in the judiciary.
It also alleged that the matter had attracted attention from the international community.
Meanwhile, the Presidency, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, and the EFCC are yet to react to the allegations.
The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the ADC leadership case and said a date for the ruling will be communicated to the parties involved.
The ADR urged the judiciary to remain independent and resist any form of intimidation or interference in the discharge of its duties.
