Paul Ibe, the media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized the Nigerian judiciary for permitting the playing of President Bola Tinubu's supporters anthem during a major judicial event.
Controversial Moment at Judges Conference
The incident occurred at the All Nigerian Judges conference where President Tinubu attended as a special guest of honor. According to eyewitness accounts, shortly before the President was scheduled to mount the podium to deliver his speech, the event's music band began playing the political anthem "On your mandate we shall stand" - a song widely recognized among Tinubu's supporters.
The timing and nature of the musical selection immediately raised eyebrows among observers and participants at the judicial gathering. The conference, which typically maintains strict protocols of neutrality, found itself at the center of a political controversy.
Paul Ibe's Strong Reaction
Paul Ibe, who serves as the primary media representative for former Vice President and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, took to social media to express his disapproval. Sharing a video of the incident on his Instagram account, Ibe posed a pointed question to the judiciary.
"Are Nigerian Judges now also standing on the Mandate of Tinubu, too?" Ibe questioned in his social media post. He further elaborated his concerns, stating "One would have thought that they would be standing at all times on the Mandate of Constitutionalism and Rule of Law. This is worrisome."
Judicial Independence Concerns
The incident has sparked broader discussions about the perception of judicial independence in Nigeria. Legal experts and political analysts have weighed in on the implications of such an occurrence at a gathering meant to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.
The video shared by Paul Ibe quickly gained traction online, being reposted by prominent blogger Linda Ikeji on November 18, 2025. The timing of the controversy comes amid ongoing legal processes and election petitions that have kept the judiciary under intense public scrutiny.
Observers note that the playing of a politically charged anthem at an official judges' conference raises questions about the boundaries between the executive and judicial branches of government. The incident has prompted calls for clearer protocols regarding political neutrality at judicial events.
