The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has defended the Minister of Defence and former Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), over criticisms trailing his participation in the recent convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that his involvement in partisan politics is lawful and constitutionally guaranteed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group described the wave of attacks from activists, academics, and public commentators as “misplaced,” stressing that General Musa, having retired from active military service, is entitled to fully exercise his fundamental rights as a civilian.
HURIWA argued that the right to freedom of association and movement, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, empowers any Nigerian citizen—including retired military officers, police personnel, and civil servants—to join political parties of their choice.
The group cited reactions from some critics, including a social media comment attributed to Chief UC Maxwell, SAN, which questioned the Minister’s presence at the APC convention amid ongoing security challenges in parts of the country. It also referenced remarks by legal scholar and former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, who faulted the minister’s participation in the high-profile political gathering.
However, HURIWA maintained that such criticisms fail to recognise the clear distinction between active service and retirement.
“In advanced democracies, cabinet ministers are typically members of the ruling political party. There is nothing abnormal or unlawful about a serving minister identifying with the political platform of the government he serves,” the group stated.
It further noted that Nigeria’s legal framework robustly protects the right to association, not only under the Constitution but also through international and domestic instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as labour-related statutes.
According to HURIWA, while Nigeria operates a system of legal pluralism—with constitutional, statutory, and customary laws coexisting—the courts have consistently upheld the supremacy of constitutional provisions, particularly where fundamental rights are concerned.
The group concluded that the Defence Minister’s political participation remains within the bounds of the law and should not be a subject of controversy.
“Any retired public officer who chooses to engage in politics is exercising a right guaranteed by law. Attempts to vilify such participation are not only unfounded but also inconsistent with democratic principles,” the statement added.
The statement was signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko.
Defence Minister Free to Participate in Politics, Criticism Misplaced — HURIWA
