Tinubu Has Taken Control of INEC, Judiciary, Security Agencies – Kaduna Lawyer Alleges

A Kaduna-based legal practitioner, Al-zubayr Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of undermining key democratic institutions, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the judiciary have fallen under the President’s influence.

Abubakar made the claims during an interview with JKD TV, a Kaduna-based television station, where he criticised the current state of governance and the independence of public institutions in Nigeria.

The lawyer alleged that no previous Nigerian leader, including those who ruled during periods of military dictatorship, exercised the level of influence he believes the current administration has over state institutions.

According to him, judges who are expected to uphold justice have allegedly come under political pressure, raising concerns about public confidence in the country’s judicial system.

“Today, all of Nigeria’s security agencies work for Tinubu rather than for Nigeria. If I were to insult Tinubu here right now, you would immediately see the DSS and the police. They wouldn’t even stop to question you; they would simply say you had insulted the nation. Is Tinubu the nation?” he said.

Abubakar also claimed that Nigeria’s security agencies no longer operate independently, arguing that opposition political parties cannot expect equal treatment under the current system.

He further alleged that the President has weakened the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, claiming the electoral body has become susceptible to political influence.

Citing the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, he questioned why INEC allegedly continues to recognise the faction aligned with Nyesom Wike despite a Supreme Court judgment, arguing that such actions could erode public trust in future elections.

“How can INEC be expected to act impartially? Look at what happened to the PDP. The Supreme Court delivered a judgment against the Wike faction, yet INEC continues to recognize and work with that faction. Under such circumstances, how can Nigerians have confidence that INEC will conduct a free and fair election?” he said.

The Presidency, INEC, the judiciary and the security agencies have not responded to Abubakar’s allegations as of the time of this report.