Tinubu has captured INEC, judiciary, security agencies – Kaduna lawyer alleges

A Kaduna-based legal practitioner, Al-zubayr Abubakar, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu has taken control of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the judiciary and Nigeria’s security agencies.

Abubakar made the allegation during an interview with JKD TV, a Kaduna-based television station.

The lawyer claimed that no Nigerian leader, including those who governed during periods of military rule, had exercised power in the manner he alleged Tinubu is currently doing.

He further alleged that judges, who are expected to uphold justice, had been brought under the President’s influence, while the country’s security agencies now serve Tinubu’s interests rather than those of the nation.

According to him, the President has also crippled INEC, alleging that the electoral body is under his control, a situation he said has contributed to the recurring crises within opposition political parties.

“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.

“To make matters worse, the judges, who are supposed to stand for justice, have all been brought under his influence. So if you have a legal case, would you truly have the confidence to take it to court? How can the police treat opposition parties fairly?

“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?”

The Presidency, INEC, the judiciary and the security agencies have not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.