A fresh wave of political controversy has emerged after Kaduna-based legal practitioner Al-zubayr Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu of exerting overwhelming influence over Nigeria’s key democratic institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and the nation’s security agencies.
Speaking during an interview with JKD TV, the lawyer claimed that the current administration has centralized power to an unprecedented level, arguing that even during Nigeria’s military era, democratic institutions were not allegedly subjected to such influence.
Abubakar alleged that judges, who are expected to uphold justice without fear or favor, have been compromised, raising concerns about public confidence in the judicial system. He questioned whether Nigerians could still expect fair hearings in politically sensitive cases if the courts were perceived to be under political influence.
The legal practitioner also claimed that the country’s security agencies now serve the interests of the President instead of acting independently in the interest of the Nigerian people. According to him, criticism directed at the President could quickly attract the attention of security operatives, a situation he argued raises questions about freedom of expression and democratic accountability.
Turning to the electoral process, Abubakar alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission has been weakened and placed under the control of the ruling administration. He linked this claim to the lingering internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), arguing that the commission’s handling of the party’s leadership dispute has fueled concerns about its neutrality.
He specifically referenced the Supreme Court’s decision relating to the PDP leadership tussle, claiming that despite the judgment, INEC continues to engage with the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The allegations have added to the growing political debate over the independence of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future elections. However, Abubakar did not present evidence during the interview to substantiate his claims, and neither the Presidency, INEC, the judiciary nor the affected security agencies had responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
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