2027: Judiciary captured, day of reckoning awaits Tinubu, Wike – Umar Sani

Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Sani, has criticized the judiciary for compromising its independence, alleging that political influence has shaped its decisions. In a post on his X account, Sani warned that those responsible for undermining the judiciary would face the consequences of their actions once President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike leave the political scene.

Titled "A Conscienceless Judiciary," Sani's lengthy post detailed his claims of growing executive influence over the judiciary, which he described as weakening the principle of separation of powers. Specifically, he accused Wike of exerting significant influence over certain judges, citing a reluctance to entertain cases that might not align with the minister's interests.

Sani also questioned recent judicial decisions, alleging they were inconsistent with facts and laws. He further stated that the judiciary had become reluctant to act against political figures facing electoral setbacks, describing it as judicial humiliation. Sani highlighted several prominent Nigerians, including Hope Uzodimma, Seyi Makinde, David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Goodluck Jonathan, who had experienced such consequences.

He recalled the public support for the judiciary under former President Muhammadu Buhari, when the EFCC investigated judges, but expressed regret over the erosion of public confidence in the institution due to recent questionable decisions. Sani cautioned that those responsible for the erosion of judicial independence would eventually face accountability, warning that history would not be kind to those who had turned the judiciary into an instrument of political convenience.