The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators Forum has accused senior officials in the presidency of interfering in opposition party affairs and ongoing legal disputes, alleging actions that raise concerns about executive influence on the judiciary and electoral processes.
Speaking at a press conference on behalf of the forum, former member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnenna Elendu, said a recent comment attributed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, suggested support for litigants involved in disputes within the ADC.
Elendu said the remark, reportedly expressing support for individuals in court battles involving the party, “was not a slip but an admission of complicity.”
“When the Chief of Staff says, ‘we are happy with you, we will support you to triumph in the courts,’ it cannot be dismissed as casual,” Elendu said. “It raises legitimate concerns about coordinated efforts from the highest office of the land.”
He alleged that repeated public comments and political signals from senior government officials, if left unaddressed, risk undermining confidence in judicial independence and opposition politics.
The forum also raised concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of inconsistent administrative decisions and selective recognition in internal party disputes.
Elendu said, “Recent actions by INEC have raised serious questions about neutrality and institutional independence,” adding that the commission must avoid any perception of taking sides in internal party matters.
He referenced ongoing leadership disputes within the ADC, insisting that the party’s internal processes remain a matter for its members under its constitution and not for external institutions.
The legislators said their intervention was not partisan but aimed at defending democratic governance, citing past involvement in national political crises, including the 2010 constitutional transition following the illness of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
They warned against what they described as emerging trends of “executive overreach,” urging restraint and adherence to constitutional limits.
“Our democracy must remain governed by law, not expediency,” Elendu said. “The judiciary must remain independent, the opposition must operate freely, and citizens must participate without fear.”
The forum called on the judiciary to uphold constitutional principles in resolving political disputes, stressing that current cases represent a critical test of institutional independence.
It also urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that democratic space is not weakened under his administration, saying safeguarding political competition is a responsibility of government.
“Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people,” Elendu said. “It must be protected by all institutions acting within the limits of the constitution.”
The presidency and INEC have not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
