Presidency Accused of Mounting Pressure on Supreme Court Justices Over ADC Case.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu, Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
April 25, 2026.
Abuja — Fresh controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s political landscape as a civil society organization, the Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR), has accused the Presidency of attempting to influence judicial proceedings at the nation’s apex court in a politically sensitive case involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the group alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acting through the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, is exerting undue pressure on justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to secure a ruling unfavorable to key opposition figures.
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The case in question centers on the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, particularly its National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.
According to the ADR’s spokesperson, Mr. Andy O. Chucks, the Presidency is allegedly deploying state institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to intimidate members of the judiciary.
He claimed that justices
are being threatened with investigations and reputational attacks should they fail to align with the government’s position.
“These actions represent a dangerous erosion of judicial independence,” Mr. Chucks stated, adding that some justices are reportedly being confronted with allegations about their past as a form of coercion.
The statement further alleged that President Tinubu had expressed determination to ensure that the ADC does not participate in the 2027 general elections, a claim that, if substantiated, could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
In a related claim, ADR accused the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of publicly advocating for the dismantling of the ADC’s political structure. The group also alleged that government interference extended to logistical disruptions, including the denial of public venues for the party’s recent national convention, forcing organizers to resort to a last-minute outdoor location.
Political analysts say the allegations, though unverified, highlight growing concerns over the independence of democratic institutions in Nigeria. The ADR warned that such developments could signal a drift toward a one-party system if left unchecked.
Legal observers, including members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have reportedly expressed concern over what they describe as increasing judicial involvement in internal party disputes—areas traditionally considered outside the courts’ jurisdiction.
Insider accounts cited by the group suggest that some Supreme Court justices are hesitant to overturn previous rulings related to the case, citing the risk of undermining public confidence in the judiciary. This reported reluctance, ADR claims, has intensified friction between the bench and the executive arm of government.
The matter has also begun attracting international attention, with diplomatic observers closely monitoring developments for potential implications on Nigeria’s democratic credibility.
As of press time, attempts to obtain official responses from the Presidency, the Attorney General’s office, the EFCC, and the Supreme Court were unsuccessful.
The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the ADC leadership dispute, stating that a ruling date will be communicated to all parties in due course.
The ADR concluded its statement by urging the judiciary to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and to resist any form of external pressure.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement read. “The integrity of the judiciary must not be compromised.”
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 26TH 2026)
