Tinubu Does Not Interfere In Judiciary Or Legislature — Information Minister Reacts To ADC Judgment

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not interfere in matters concerning the courts or the legislature, reacting to the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar.

Idris spoke in an interview with RFI Hausa, following the judgment delivered on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Justice Lifu had sacked the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee of the ADC and nullified all decisions taken under its leadership, including the party’s presidential primary that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate for the 2027 general election.

The suit was instituted by a former ADC Deputy National Chairman, North-East, Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the emergence of the Mark-led leadership after the resignation of former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu.

The ADC has since rejected the judgment, described it as legally indefensible, and filed an appeal and an application for stay of execution, notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on November 6. Atiku has also vowed to remain on the ballot.

Reacting to the development, Idris said the executive arm has no right to say whether the court was right or wrong, and must allow the judiciary to do its work.

“You know that in government there is the executive branch. There is the judiciary branch and there is also the legislative branch. So, regarding the executive, now that the court has spoken and said what has happened, what freedom do we have to say whether they were right or wrong? You see, we just have to watch the court and see what happens,” Idris said.

He stressed that President Tinubu has allowed every arm of government the freedom to operate independently.

“What we do know is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allowed every arm of government the freedom to operate independently. He does not interfere in matters concerning the courts or judges. He also does not interfere in matters concerning the legislature. He stays within the executive, but everyone must work together for the progress of Nigeria so that Nigeria can move forward,” the Minister said.

Idris added that he learnt of the judgment just like every other Nigerian, and that any questions arising from it should be taken back to the court.

“Just as you are hearing this news now, that is how the news came to me as well. Therefore, we must see what the court means and what was done. If there are any questions, the court is the place to return to for further clarification,” he said.