APC using judiciary to undermine opposition, Obidient Movement alleges

The Obidient Movement has accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of weaponizing the judiciary to undermine opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The movement claims that recent court decisions, particularly those involving the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are politically motivated and designed to weaken the opposition.

National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko stated at a press conference in Abuja that the judiciary is allowing itself to be used to dismantle opposition politics. He specifically alleged that a High Court ruling in Lokoja was intended to disqualify Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the 2027 presidential race. Tanko asserted that the movement remains confident both leaders will appear on the ballot.

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For the avoidance of doubt, this is a hatchet job by the present administration to ensure that our principal, Mr. Peter Obi, is not on the ballot in 2027.

"For the avoidance of doubt, this is a hatchet job by the present administration to ensure that our principal, Mr. Peter Obi, is not on the ballot in 2027," Tanko declared. The movement further alleged that a lawsuit seeking the deregistration of the NDC was filed by a "faceless entity" lacking legal standing, characterizing it as a "tool of partisan warfare."

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We are completely blunt: the Nigerian judiciary is actively surrendering itself to the dictation and caprices of the APC regime. It is no longer behaving as an impartial guardian of justice; it has been captured and weaponised as a tool of partisan warfare.

The Obidient Movement warned that the judiciary's alleged surrender to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) regime risks undermining public confidence in the rule of law. "The judiciary exists as the ultimate buffer between peace and chaos," Tanko stated, emphasizing that if justice is perceived as available only to the highest bidder or most powerful political interests, it threatens democratic stability.

The group also accused the APC of attempting to suppress political competition due to fear of a united opposition. Despite these concerns, the movement urged its supporters to remain steadfast.

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The judiciary exists as the ultimate buffer between peace and chaos. It is the peacekeeping arm of civilised society. But if the judiciary outlives its usefulness and tells ordinary Nigerians that justice is available only to the highest bidder or the most powerful political interests, then it risks undermining public confidence in the rule of law.