Former vice president and presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party(PDP) Atiku Abubakar, has expressed serious concerns over an alleged plot orchestrated by individuals associated with President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to exert pressure on the judiciary and subvert the course of justice.
In a statement issued by Paul Ibe, spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Atiku revealed that the ruling party has been threatening and attempting to intimidate the justices responsible for delivering justice. He emphasized that any interference with the judiciary’s work would have catastrophic consequences for the nation and would essentially be an invitation to anarchy.
Atiku called on the international community to be vigilant and closely monitor the situation. He emphasized the importance of allowing the judiciary to operate independently, without harassment or intimidation from the government or powerful interests. Atiku asserted that the Nigerian democracy should not be undermined by using the judiciary to serve the interests of the ruling party, as this had been a recurring pattern of the APC.
Referring to past incidents, Atiku cited the removal of Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, by the APC-led Federal Government in 2019 when he refused to bend to their will. Atiku pointed out that the current plot aims to intimidate judges to deliver favorable judgments in the APC’s favor at the election tribunal.
The statement emphasized that the election that brought the current government into power was contentious and marked by controversies, leading Atiku and other parties to challenge the outcome in the interest of justice and adherence to the law.
Atiku stressed that the judiciary is the only credible avenue for seeking justice, and the independence of this branch of government is crucial for the functioning of a democratic society. He urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and for security agencies to uphold their professionalism and resist becoming instruments of oppression and intimidation against the judiciary.