The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted comments credited to Mr. Okonkwo, in which he alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could now “rule Nigeria with the military” following a recent Supreme Court verdict on Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party described the claim as reckless, misleading and intellectually dishonest, stressing that a Supreme Court judgment represents the highest form of constitutional authority in a democratic system, not a military decree or executive order.
According to the Lagos APC, the apex court’s ruling did not suspend democracy in Rivers State but merely interpreted the law in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. While judicial decisions may not always align with political expectations, the party noted that such rulings are binding on all parties and form the bedrock of the rule of law.
The party also dismissed suggestions that President Tinubu harbours any intention of exercising extra-constitutional powers, describing the narrative as alarmist and unfounded. It recalled that the President has a long-standing record as a pro-democracy activist who opposed military rule and contributed to the restoration of civil governance in Nigeria.
Lagos APC further accused elements of the opposition of attempting to delegitimise the judiciary whenever court verdicts do not favour their interests, warning that such rhetoric undermines public confidence in democratic institutions and poses a threat to the nation’s democracy.
It emphasised that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy governed by the separation of powers, noting that the military operates strictly under civilian control as stipulated by the Constitution. The party added that there has been no action or policy under the Tinubu administration suggesting otherwise.
Calling on Nigerians to reject what it described as inflammatory and anti-democratic commentary, the Lagos APC urged political actors to respect the rule of law and desist from statements capable of provoking unrest.
“Supreme Court verdicts are instruments of justice, not tyranny. They strengthen democracy rather than weaken it,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by the Lagos APC Spokesman, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, and dated December 17, 2025.
