The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong condemnation of remarks by African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo regarding the Supreme Court’s Rivers State ruling. APC spokesman Seye Oladejo denounced Okonkwo’s comments as “reckless and misleading.”
In an official statement, Oladejo countered Okonkwo’s suggestion that the Supreme Court ruling resembled military rule. He emphasized that court verdicts represent constitutional authority, not military decrees. The APC maintains that judicial decisions bind all parties in a democracy.
“A Supreme Court judgment constitutes democracy’s highest constitutional expression,” Oladejo stated. “It’s neither military fiat nor executive directive. Equating judicial verdicts with military rule reflects either democratic illiteracy or deliberate misinformation for political gain.”
The APC spokesperson defended President Bola Tinubu’s democratic record. He highlighted Tinubu’s history of opposing military dictatorship and supporting civil rule. “Suggesting such a leader governs through military proxies is absurd and insulting,” Oladejo asserted.
Oladejo criticized opposition tactics following unfavorable court decisions. He noted a pattern of delegitimizing judiciary rulings when they contradict political expectations. Such rhetoric undermines democratic institutions and spreads unnecessary fear.
“Opposition responses to constitutional setbacks increasingly feature anti-democratic rhetoric,” Oladejo observed. “This promotion of anarchy threatens our young democracy. Undermining judicial confidence weakens our republic’s foundations.”
The statement concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s constitutional order. Oladejo stressed military subordination to civilian authority remains intact. No Tinubu administration actions suggest military-style governance.
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