By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised comments attributed to Mr Okonkwo suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could now “rule Nigeria with the military” following a recent Supreme Court judgment relating to Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, described the remarks as reckless, misleading and lacking any constitutional foundation. He stressed that Supreme Court judgments cannot be equated with military decrees or authoritarian rule.
The APC said decisions of the apex court represent the highest expression of constitutional authority in a democratic system, adding that such rulings are the outcome of judicial interpretation of the law, not executive or military directives.
According to the party, the Supreme Court merely exercised its constitutional mandate, noting that its judgments, whether popular or controversial, are binding on all parties. It dismissed claims that the verdict amounted to a suspension of democracy in Rivers State, insisting that the court acted strictly within the provisions of the Constitution.
Defending President Tinubu, the Lagos APC said the president has neither sought nor exercised extra-constitutional powers. It pointed to his long-standing record as a pro-democracy activist and opponent of military rule as evidence that he would not govern through military influence.
The party accused opposition figures of attempting to undermine the judiciary whenever court decisions do not align with their political interests, warning that such narratives could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
It also expressed concern that what it termed alarmist and anti-democratic rhetoric could pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy if allowed to persist unchecked.
Reaffirming that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law and the separation of powers, the APC said the military continues to operate under civilian control as stipulated by the Constitution.
The party urged Nigerians to reject inflammatory commentary capable of inciting unrest, maintaining that Supreme Court verdicts are instruments of justice intended to strengthen democratic governance.
