PDP raises concerns over judicial independence, warns against executive influence

By Lateef Ibrahim

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has expressed concern over what it described as growing executive influence on the judiciary, warning that such a trend could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday, the opposition party criticised the presentation of newly built residential quarters and court complexes to senior judicial officers by the government, arguing that the manner in which the projects were unveiled could create the impression of political patronage.
According to the PDP, although judges deserve improved welfare and world-class working conditions, such benefits should not be presented in a way that raises questions about the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
The party also alleged that recent judicial interventions had contributed to internal crises within opposition parties, weakening alternative political platforms before the 2027 elections.
“Instead of acting as a stabilizing force, judicial interventions have consistently thrown opposition political parties into internal turmoil, fracturing alternative platforms and systematically neutralizing dissent ahead of 2027,” the statement read.
The PDP further argued that when the executive is perceived as a benefactor to judges who may later preside over election petitions and constitutional disputes, public confidence in judicial neutrality could be eroded.
It also claimed that conflicting court orders and judgments in recent political cases had heightened concerns over the role of the judiciary in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The party called for greater efforts to preserve the independence, credibility and impartiality of the courts as the country prepares for the 2027 general election.