The Obidient Movement has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using the judiciary to truncate and destabilise opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the Movement’s interim national coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, alleged the judiciary had surrendered itself to the dictates of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“We are completely blunt: the Nigerian judiciary is actively surrendering itself to the dictates 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,” Mr Tanko stated.

The allegation came days after the Federal High Court, Lokoja Division, set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress as a political party.

The ruling elicited reactions from Nigerians, including Peter Obi who accused Mr Tinubu of deliberately using the judiciary to block him from contesting in the forthcoming election.

Mr Tanko slammed the ruling as a deliberate attempt by the ruling APC to frustrate Mr Obi, the NDC 2027presidential candidate, out of the ballot next year.

He added, “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.”

The politician further warned that undermining judicial independence could threaten democratic stability in the country.

“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,” he added.

Mr Tanko, however, expressed confidence that the NDC will be on the ballot next year, urging its members to remain resolute and united.

“Don’t lose focus. Don’t panic We shall continue to defend democracy and the independence of the judiciary. Justice must prevail, and the will of the people must be respected.

“The joint ticket of Mr. Peter Obi and Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso will be on the ballot in 2027. We remain committed to pursuing a democratic and peaceful process toward building a new Nigeria,” the politician stated. 

The Presidency could not be immediately reached for comment on the allegation, as Bayo Onanuga, Daniel Bwala and Sunday Dare had yet to respond to enquiries sent to them.