Prominent political commentator Mahmud Jega has called on President Bola Tinubu to publicly denounce the conduct of certain judges regarding opposition political entities. Jega cautioned that Nigeria’s democratic foundations are in jeopardy if opposition groups are hindered from participating in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
During an appearance on Arise Television, Jega noted a prevailing belief that deliberate efforts are underway to stifle opposition parties. He emphasized that such actions, if left unchecked, could signal the collapse of the nation’s democratic system. As the leader of the country’s most influential institution, Jega argued that President Tinubu must actively distance the executive branch from these trends.
Drawing a historical parallel, Jega recalled an incident from 2001 involving the ANPP, where a high court judge attempted to block the party’s convention. At the time, then-President Olusegun Obasanjo publicly condemned the ruling as wicked. This intervention prompted the National Judicial Council to take action against the involved judge. Jega suggests that a similar vocal stance from the current Presidency is necessary to protect democratic integrity.
