Umar Sani Accuses Wike and Tinubu of Judicial Manipulation

Umar Sani, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Bola Tinubu of compromising the independence of Nigeria's judiciary. In an article titled “A Conscienceless Judiciary,” Sani claimed that the executive branch is influencing court outcomes, which undermines the separation of powers.

He alleged that some judges have become submissive to Wike, particularly in cases involving his interests. Sani specifically criticized recent rulings by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which included the dismissal of the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress and the invalidation of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ticket.

He mentioned several politicians, including Hope Uzodimma, Seyi Makinde, David Mark, Atiku, Peter Obi, and Goodluck Jonathan, as victims of what he termed judicial humiliation. Sani expressed that the public's confidence in the judiciary has diminished due to controversial decisions and warned that those responsible for the alleged judicial capture would face consequences in the future.