Political Anthem Replaces National Anthem at Judges' Conference
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the controversial playing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's political anthem "On Your Mandate" during the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference. The incident has sparked widespread concern about the separation of powers and judicial independence in Nigeria.
Atiku's Outrage and Initial Disbelief
In a statement released on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Atiku expressed his alarm after watching a Channels Television video that showed the partisan anthem being played instead of the Nigerian National Anthem. The controversial moment occurred immediately following the speech by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Atiku revealed that his first reaction was disbelief, suspecting the footage might have been manipulated or digitally altered. However, after confirming the authenticity of the video, he expected immediate explanations from both the Presidency and the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Instead, he lamented that there has been "total and deafening silence" from both institutions.
Pattern of Institutional Capture
The former presidential candidate described the incident as part of a broader pattern under the Tinubu-led APC administration. He accused the government of systematically working to capture state institutions, suppress opposition voices, and gradually transform Nigeria into a de facto one-party state.
Atiku highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that President Tinubu had, on the same day, delivered a lecture to Nigerian judges about integrity, discipline, and the importance of protecting public confidence in the justice system. The timing of these contradictory events has raised serious questions about the administration's commitment to judicial independence.
Threat to Judicial Independence
According to Atiku, the playing of partisan political music before the nation's top judicial officers represents a clear attempt to "drag the judiciary into the political gutters of the APC." He warned that such actions could intimidate judicial officers and potentially influence their independence in dispensing justice.
The former vice president emphasized that Nigerian judges swore an oath to defend the Constitution and the rule of law, not to align with any individual's political mandate. He called the incident "reckless, scandalous, disgraceful, and deeply irresponsible" while urging all believers in constitutional democracy to condemn this affront to national institutions.
Atiku concluded by questioning how public confidence in the judiciary could be maintained when the executive arm openly introduces partisan propaganda into solemn judicial gatherings. The incident continues to generate significant discussion about the boundaries between state institutions and political parties in Nigeria's democracy.
