Judiciary safeguarded democracy by affirming Tinubu’s election – Shettima

Abuja—Vice President Kashim Shettima has stirred controversy with his remarks praising the judiciary for upholding President Bola Tinubu’s mandate, declaring that it stood firm against “vested interests” and protected Nigeria’s democratic future.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Body of Benchers Maiden Annual Lecture in Abuja, Shettima commended the judiciary for resisting external pressures and urged it to continue delivering justice without compromise.

“The pursuit of justice does not happen in a vacuum; it is shaped by the gatekeepers and personnel of the law,” he stated, emphasizing that the judiciary remains a pillar of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

His comments have ignited debate, with critics questioning whether his remarks imply judicial bias in favor of the ruling administration. Some argue that Shettima’s statement undermines confidence in the judiciary’s neutrality, while supporters see it as a deserved acknowledgment of the courts’ role in upholding democracy.

As Nigeria grapples with concerns over judicial independence, Shettima’s words have only fueled suspicions about the political influence on legal institutions.