The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the recent commissioning of residential quarters for judges.
The opposition party described the ruling party’s public celebration of the project as a shameless and unethical display that erodes public trust in the judiciary’s independence.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC acknowledged that judges are entitled to decent accommodation, security, and welfare.
However, the party insisted that these provisions are constitutional obligations funded by the Nigerian taxpayer and should not be presented as personal achievements or favours bestowed by government officials.
According to the ADC, the primary issue lies in the dangerous precedent set by the executive arm of government positioning itself as a benefactor to the judiciary.
The party argued that neither President Bola Tinubu nor the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, should claim personal credit for duties that are essentially the discharge of public service financed through national funds.
The ADC expressed concern that the ruling party is attempting to glorify the President and the Minister as patrons of the judiciary.
This framing, the party claimed, creates the impression that the welfare of judges is subject to executive benevolence, which fundamentally contradicts the principle of separation of powers in a constitutional democracy.
The party noted that the judiciary should never be placed in a position where its welfare can be depicted as a gift from political actors whose interests are frequently adjudicated in court.
Furthermore, the opposition party warned that this development fuels existing public perceptions regarding the undue influence the President and the FCT Minister allegedly hold over the courts.
The ADC cautioned that such perceptions are detrimental, noting that the judiciary should remain neutral and accountable only to the Constitution and the law, rather than being swayed by those who provide the funding for their facilities.
The party also criticised the APC’s assertion that the building project strengthens judicial independence.
The party described the claim as an irony and, argued that genuine judicial independence is not measured by the number of buildings commissioned by politicians.
Instead, it is defined by institutional and financial autonomy, security of tenure, and the ability of judges to operate without political pressure.
The ADC called on the judiciary to exercise greater caution regarding its relationship with the government.
The party urged judges to avoid conduct that fuels the existing trust deficit, emphasising that the public will only regain confidence in the courts when they perceive the judiciary as being beholden to the law alone, rather than to specific individuals in power.
