Protest rocks Federal High Court over deregistration of opposition parties

The protest staged by the Concerned Northern Nigeria Stakeholders at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday sends a clear and urgent message to the Nigerian government: the sanctity of democratic institutions must be upheld. Their demonstration, marked by chants and placards, directly challenged President Bola Tinubu's administration, alleging undue interference in the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately cease all forms of interference, overt or covert, with the judiciary. Courts must never be reduced to instruments of political engineering. The moment justice is manipulated, the nation itself is placed on trial.

This action reflects a growing concern among civil society groups regarding the health of Nigeria's democracy. The protesters' warning against weakening opposition parties is particularly significant. They argue that a vibrant opposition is not a threat but a cornerstone of a legitimate government, essential for accountability and healthy political competition. The assertion that "a government that seeks to weaken opposition betrays a lack of confidence in its own legitimacy" is a powerful critique of potential overreach.

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A government that seeks to weaken opposition betrays a lack of confidence in its own legitimacy. Democracy thrives on competition. Suppressing it is not strength; it is fear.

From our vantage point at The Punch, the demand for neutrality from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, is also crucial. The office holds a pivotal role in ensuring the rule of law, and any perception of its politicization can erode public trust. The protesters' alarm over "moves suggesting the use of technicalities and administrative manoeuvring to weaken or delist political parties" points to a fear of orchestrated political exclusion, especially targeting parties with strong regional bases.

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Elections without credible opposition are nothing more than staged exercises. Democracy demands fairness, openness, and equal opportunity for all political actors.

The Nigerian judiciary is often seen as the last bastion of hope for justice and fairness. When the independence of the courts is perceived to be compromised, it casts a shadow over the entire democratic process. The protesters' plea that "the moment justice is manipulated, the nation itself is placed on trial" underscores the profound implications of maintaining judicial integrity. This demonstration is a vital expression of civic engagement, reminding leaders that democracy thrives on openness, fairness, and the unwavering respect for due process.

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The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation must remain firmly anchored in neutrality and the rule of law. It must not be weaponised for political ends.