ABUJA, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for celebrating the inauguration of the 10-unit Court of Appeal judges’ quarters in Abuja, describing the gesture as unethical and a threat to judicial independence.
The ADC, in a statement issued on Thursday, argued that the ruling party’s celebration of the project, which was inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, undermines the principle of separation of powers and risks creating a perception of executive influence over the judiciary. The party warned that such gestures could compromise judicial independence and erode public confidence in the courts.
The party noted that while the provision of decent accommodation for judicial officers is commendable, the manner in which the project was celebrated by the ruling party raises serious ethical concerns. The ADC argued that the judiciary should not be seen as being indebted to the executive arm of government, as this could create an impression of bias in judicial decisions.
“The judiciary must be seen to be independent and impartial,” the ADC statement read. “When the executive arm celebrates providing housing for judges, it creates a perception that the judiciary is beholden to the executive. This is dangerous for our democracy.”
The ADC also expressed concern that the project was used as a platform for political grandstanding by APC leaders, including President Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who were praised for their roles in delivering the project. The party argued that such celebrations should be conducted without the involvement of political parties.
The party further called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to ensure that judicial officers are provided with adequate accommodation and welfare without political interference. The ADC urged the NJC to take charge of all matters relating to judicial welfare to insulate judges from executive influence.
The APC has yet to respond to the ADC’s criticism. However, President Tinubu, during the inauguration, described the project as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law. He noted that the welfare of judicial officers is a strategic investment in the rule of law.
The ADC’s criticism comes amid growing debate over the relationship between the executive and the judiciary in Nigeria. Some legal experts have expressed concern that the executive arm may be using welfare provisions to influence judicial decisions, while others have argued that such concerns are unfounded.
The ADC also argued that the celebration of the project by the ruling party sends the wrong signal to the public, suggesting that the judiciary is beholden to the executive. This, the party warned, could undermine the judiciary’s ability to adjudicate matters involving the executive impartially.
The party further noted that the judiciary has been underfunded for decades, and that the provision of housing for judges should be a routine matter of governance, not a political event to be celebrated by the ruling party. The ADC called on the government to ensure that all arms of government receive adequate funding and support without political interference.
As the debate continues, the ADC has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to hold all arms of government accountable. The party has also called on the judiciary to maintain its independence and to resist any attempt to undermine its constitutional role.
For now, the ADC’s criticism has added a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about judicial independence and the relationship between the executive and the judiciary in Nigeria. Whether the APC will respond to the allegations remains to be seen, but the ADC has made its position clear: the celebration of judicial welfare projects by the ruling party is a dangerous precedent that must be resisted.
