Tinubu Defends Institutional Independence Amid Opposition Outcry

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional independence, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on strong, professional institutions rather than political interference, amid growing opposition criticism over ongoing investigations by anti-corruption agencies.

In a statement addressing what he described as “opposition hysteria,” the President stressed that his government does not direct security or anti-graft agencies on who to investigate, prosecute, or protect. According to Tinubu, agencies of state are empowered to operate strictly within the bounds of the law, guided by evidence, due process and statutory mandates, not by party affiliation or political considerations.

He warned that equating lawful investigations with political persecution undermines democracy and weakens public confidence in accountability mechanisms. “Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions are not instruments of vendetta,” the President said, adding that they exist to serve the public interest and uphold the rule of law.

Tinubu argued that discomfort with scrutiny often fuels opposition reactions, especially when political actors who once wielded power find themselves subject to the same legal standards they previously enforced. He maintained that accountability loses its meaning if it is only demanded for political opponents while allies are shielded.

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The President noted that the courts remain open to all citizens and political actors who feel aggrieved, stressing that the proper place to contest investigations or prosecutions is within the judicial system, not through public alarm or inflammatory rhetoric. He said the continued functioning of the judiciary underscores that the rule of law remains intact under his administration.

According to Tinubu, democratic governance is best protected by strong and independent institutions, not by selective outrage or attempts to delegitimise lawful processes. He said institutional rationalisation allowing agencies to do their work without interference is essential to building public trust and sustaining democracy.

The President dismissed claims that opposition figures are being targeted, describing such narratives as distractions from the core principles of governance. He insisted that no individual or group is above the law and that equality before the law is a cornerstone of his administration’s reform agenda.

Tinubu urged opposition voices to engage in self-reflection rather than raising unnecessary alarms, saying that respect for institutions and due process is a shared responsibility. He called on all political actors to support the strengthening of state institutions, noting that democracy thrives when rules apply uniformly.

As political tensions persist, the President reiterated that his government remains focused on governance, reform and accountability, arguing that the long-term health of Nigeria’s democracy depends not on partisan reactions but on the consistent application of the law to all.