ADC Judgment Clears Tinubu Of Judiciary Interference Claims – Matawalle

The Minister of State for Defence and former Governor of Zamfara State, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has said the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cleared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of allegations that he interferes in the affairs of the judiciary or seeks to impose a one-party system on Nigeria.

This was expressed in a statement signed by Media Aide to the Hon Minister of State for Defence, Ahmed Dan Wudil, made available on Friday to newsmen

Reacting to the court’s dismissal of a suit filed by House of Representatives member Leke Abejide challenging the leadership of the ADC under former Senate President David Mark, Matawalle said the verdict demonstrated that the President remained committed to judicial independence, the rule of law and constitutional democracy. He argued that despite sustained political attacks and allegations by opposition figures, Tinubu had never attempted to influence judicial proceedings or interfere in cases involving political parties.

According to the minister, the judgment had exposed what he described as the false narratives being promoted by some members of the opposition and political elite, who had consistently accused the President of manipulating democratic institutions for political advantage. He maintained that Tinubu, having played a prominent role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, understood the importance of preserving the independence of the judiciary and other democratic institutions.

Matawalle said it was unfortunate that critics were always quick to blame the President whenever court decisions did not favour them but remained silent whenever judgments affirmed the independence of the courts. He urged political actors to embrace fairness and patriotism by acknowledging positive developments instead of promoting propaganda aimed at misleading Nigerians.

The minister also faulted opposition attacks on the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, alleging that some critics had deliberately sought to undermine the morale of the Armed Forces through campaigns of misinformation and negative publicity. Rather than encouraging troops risking their lives to defend the country, he said, such individuals had continued to discredit ongoing military operations for political reasons.

He, however, said the Armed Forces had continued to record significant victories against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups across the country, particularly through Operation Fansan Yamma, which he said had dismantled several bandits’ enclaves, neutralised notorious gang leaders and restored security to many communities in the North-West.

Matawalle assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remained unwavering in his determination to end insecurity and would continue to provide the military and other security agencies with the support, resources and political backing required to defeat criminal elements. He stressed that no amount of political propaganda would distract the administration from its commitment to restoring peace, protecting democratic institutions and delivering good governance.