ADC: Court judgment vindicates Tinubu on interference claims – Matawalle

A recent High Court judgement in Abuja, affirming Senator David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vindicates President Bola Tinubu against allegations of interference with the judiciary.

The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Matawalle, stated this in a statement issued to reporters on Friday in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court dismissed the suit challenging the Mark-led leadership of ADC and ruled that it was in accordance with the party’s constitution and the law.

According to Matawalle, Tinubu’s refusal to interfere with the judgement shows his commitment to democracy and judicial independence.

He said the judgment affirmed the leadership of former Senate President David Mark and disproved allegations that Tinubu was interfering with the judiciary or pursuing a one-party system.

The minister said the ruling demonstrated the President’s unwavering respect for due process, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

Matawalle said Tinubu had never interfered with judicial proceedings or attempted to influence politically sensitive cases despite sustained criticism from opposition figures.

He said the President’s democratic credentials were established long before assuming office through his participation in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic restoration.

According to him, Tinubu understands the importance of preserving democratic institutions and considers an independent judiciary essential for democratic survival, political stability and national cohesion.

Matawalle accused some opposition politicians of spreading falsehoods and propaganda to discredit the President whenever court decisions did not favour their political interests.

He said such critics failed to acknowledge judgments that clearly reflected judicial independence and the absence of executive interference.

The minister urged Nigerians to objectively assess judicial outcomes and commend the President for strengthening democratic institutions.

On security, Matawalle said the Federal Government remained committed to tackling insecurity through sustained military operations nationwide.

He said troops under Operation Fansan Yamma had dismantled several bandits’ enclaves, neutralised notorious leaders and recovered communities previously occupied by criminal elements across the North-West.

He added that similar military operations nationwide had weakened terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups, improving security in many affected communities.

Matawalle assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remained determined to end insecurity by providing the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the necessary support and equipment.