Atiku Abubakar Condemns ‘Disgraceful’ Playing of Tinubu’s ‘On Your Mandate’ at 2025 Judges Conference

Introduction

In a striking development at the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference in Abuja, footage emerged showing President Bola Tinubu’s campaign anthem, “On Your Mandate We Stand,” played instead of the National Anthem at the conclusion of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun’s opening speech. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar swiftly condemned the incident as “reckless, scandalous, disgraceful, and deeply irresponsible,” highlighting potential threats to judiciary independence in Nigeria.

This controversy, reported by Channels TV and amplified on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), underscores ongoing debates about the separation of powers in Nigeria’s democracy. Atiku’s reaction draws attention to the role of judicial neutrality, especially as President Tinubu addressed the judges on integrity and the rule of law on the same day. This article breaks down the event, Atiku’s full statement, official responses, and broader implications for Nigerian judiciary controversies.

Event Timeline

The conference opened on Monday in Abuja, hosted by the National Judicial Institute (NJI). Videos circulated showing the Tinubu campaign song played publicly, prompting Atiku’s post on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Analysis

The incident at the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference involves a protocol breach where a partisan political song replaced the National Anthem—a symbol of national unity—in a formal judicial setting. Atiku Abubakar’s critique frames this as part of a pattern by the Tinubu administration to influence state institutions, potentially eroding judicial independence Nigeria relies on.

Judicial conferences like this one serve as platforms for professional development, ethical discussions, and reinforcing the judiciary’s apolitical stance. Playing a campaign song, associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Tinubu’s 2023 election victory, raises questions about protocol adherence and impartiality. Atiku noted the irony: Tinubu’s speech emphasized public confidence in justice, yet the event appeared to introduce partisanship.

Atiku’s Detailed Statement

In his X post, Atiku described receiving a Channels TV clip and initially suspecting a deepfake. Upon verification, he called for explanations from the Presidency or CJN’s office, which were not forthcoming. He argued this reflects efforts to steer Nigeria toward a one-party state by capturing institutions like the judiciary.

Official Denials and Context

The NJI denied that judges sang the song, clarifying it was not part of any organized activity. No judges were reported singing; the song played via audio at the event’s close. This distinction is key, as it shifts focus from active participation to a potential oversight in event management.

Summary

Atiku Abubakar reacted strongly to the playing of President Tinubu’s “On Your Mandate We Stand” at the 2025 Judges Conference, labeling it an assault on national dignity and judicial ethics. The NJI refuted claims of judges singing, amid silence from the Presidency and CJN. The event coincided with Tinubu’s address on judicial integrity, amplifying concerns over partisanship in official gatherings.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Nigerians concerned about judiciary independence controversies, here are actionable steps to stay informed and engaged:

Verify Information

Cross-check videos and claims using multiple sources like Channels TV, Daily Post, and official NJI statements. Tools like reverse video search on Google can detect deepfakes, as Atiku initially suspected.

Engage Democratically

Support petitions or public statements from civil society groups monitoring judicial conduct. Follow the National Judicial Council (NJC) for ethics enforcement.

Report Breaches

If witnessing protocol violations at public events, document and report to the Code of Conduct Bureau or relevant oversight bodies.

Educate on Oaths

Judges swear to uphold the 1999 Constitution (as amended), prioritizing justice over political allegiance—remind public officials of this via social media.

Points of Caution

While the Tinubu mandate song judges conference incident sparks debate, exercise caution:

Avoid Misinformation

Initial reports suggested judges sang; NJI clarified otherwise. Distinguish between playing music and active participation to prevent exaggerated narratives.

Political Bias

Atiku’s PDP affiliation may influence framing—balance with APC or neutral perspectives for objectivity.

Deepfake Risks

As Atiku noted, manipulated media is common in Nigerian politics; await official verifications.

Overgeneralization

One event does not define the entire judiciary; Nigeria’s 1,000+ judges operate under NJC oversight.

Comparison

This event echoes past Nigerian judiciary controversies, such as the 2015 CJN suspension by President Buhari, criticized as executive overreach, or 2020 EndSARS judicial panels accused of bias. Internationally, compare to U.S. Supreme Court ethics debates post-2020 election or Brazil’s 2022 judicial involvement in polls.

Domestic Parallels

In 2023, post-election litigation saw Tinubu’s victory upheld by the Supreme Court, with opposition cries of compromise—though rulings cited evidence. Unlike those, this is a ceremonial lapse, not a ruling.

Global Context

Pakistan’s 2024 judicial-executive tensions over election disputes mirror concerns of partisan influence in solemn settings.

Legal Implications

Applicable laws include the 1999 Constitution (Section 84: judicial independence) and Third Schedule (NJC powers). Judicial oaths under the Constitution bind judges to impartiality, prohibiting political alignment (Legal Practitioners Act). No direct violation proven here, as no singing occurred and song play may be logistical error—not prosecutable without intent evidence. However, it could prompt NJC inquiry into event protocols, ensuring separation of powers.

Constitutional Safeguards

Section 6 vests judicial powers in courts; breaches risk public trust erosion, potentially actionable via fundamental rights suits.

Conclusion

The playing of “On Your Mandate We Stand” at the 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference has ignited vital discourse on judiciary independence in Nigeria. Atiku Abubakar’s condemnation spotlights the need for strict protocols in official events, reinforcing oaths to the Constitution over partisanship. While NJI’s denial tempers severity, the silence from key offices fuels speculation. Upholding democratic pillars demands vigilance, transparency, and accountability from all branches of government. Nigerians must prioritize facts to safeguard justice delivery.

FAQ

Sources

• Atiku Abubakar’s official X post, November 19, 2025.
• Daily Post Nigeria: “NJI denies judges sang Tinubu’s ‘On Your Mandate’ at conference,” published November 19, 2025.
• Channels TV coverage of 2025 All Nigerian Judges Conference opening session.
• 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
• National Judicial Council guidelines on judicial conduct.