Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has raised fresh concerns over alleged attempts to use the judiciary to weaken opposition politics, warning judges against delivering rulings that could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of future elections.
Frank, in a statement issued on Tuesday, called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the National Judicial Council (NJC), and judicial officers at all levels to protect the independence of the courts and resist political interference in sensitive cases.
His warning comes amid ongoing legal disputes involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its former deputy national chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, which he described as a critical test of the judiciary’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Frank alleged that there were moves to secure court orders capable of weakening the Senator David Mark-led ADC and restricting the participation of opposition candidates in future elections.
He further claimed that there were attempts to pressure judicial authorities through allegations and intimidation in order to influence the assignment and outcome of cases involving the opposition party.
According to him, any effort to use the courts to exclude legitimate political actors from the electoral process would amount to an assault on democracy and would be resisted by Nigerians committed to preserving democratic governance.
“The Chief Judge and all judges handling politically sensitive matters must remain vigilant and ensure that justice is administered strictly in accordance with the law. The international community is closely watching developments within Nigeria’s judiciary,” Frank said.
The political activist warned that judgments perceived as politically motivated could further erode public confidence in the judicial system and raise questions about the independence of democratic institutions.
He claimed that developments in Nigeria’s courts were attracting growing international attention, adding that judicial officers found to be aiding anti-democratic actions could face scrutiny and possible sanctions from foreign governments and international institutions.
Frank stressed that his appeal was directed not only at the Federal High Court but also at judges of the Court of Appeal and justices of the Supreme Court, whom he urged to uphold constitutional principles and democratic values.
Describing the nation’s political environment as increasingly sensitive, he warned against turning the judiciary into a battleground for political contests.
“Democracy can only thrive when political parties and candidates are allowed to participate freely and fairly in the electoral process. The judiciary has a historic responsibility to protect that principle and ensure that justice is neither compromised nor manipulated for partisan interests,” he said.
Frank maintained that the credibility of future elections would depend largely on the ability of judicial institutions to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law, irrespective of political pressures.Other headline options: