Atiku condemns playing of Tinubu’s Anthem at Judges’ Conference as “Assault on National Dignity”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the playing of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign anthem at a judicial conference, describing the incident as “nothing short of an assault on our national dignity.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, Atiku revealed he initially dismissed a video of the event, which was broadcast by Channels TV, as a potential deepfake.

However, he later confirmed its authenticity, noting that the song was played following a speech by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

The controversy stems from the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference held in Abuja on Monday. While the National Judicial Institute (NJI) has denied that judges sang the anthem, titled “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,” Atiku highlighted the lack of any official clarification from either the Presidency or the Chief Justice’s office.

The former Vice President alleged that the incident is part of a broader pattern by the Tinubu administration to exert influence over state institutions and push Nigeria towards a one-party system.

He pointed out the irony that the event occurred on the same day President Tinubu addressed the judiciary on the importance of integrity and the rule of law.

Atiku accused the administration of undermining judicial independence by allowing partisan music at a formal gathering of judges, arguing that such an act directly contradicts the President’s own calls for public confidence in the justice system.

He emphasised that judges are sworn to uphold the Constitution, not to align with any political figure or party. He urged Nigerians to condemn the act as a defence of the nation’s constitutional democracy.

“What I saw was nothing short of an assault on our national dignity: ‘On Your Mandate,’ President Tinubu’s personal political anthem, was brazenly played in place of the National Anthem,” Atiku stated. “I waited for an explanation from the Presidency or the office of the CJN. Silence. Total, deafening silence.”

He further elaborated on his concerns, framing the incident as a deliberate move to politicise the judiciary.

“Replacing the National Anthem with Tinubu’s ‘On Your Mandate’ in a hall full of judges is reckless, scandalous, disgraceful, and deeply irresponsible,” he continued. “It is the most blatant signal yet that this government is attempting to drag the judiciary into the partisan gutters of the APC.”

Atiku concluded by questioning how public trust in the justice system could be maintained under such circumstances.

“Let the records be clear: Nigerian judges swore an oath to defend the Constitution, justice, and the rule of law, not to stand ‘on the mandate’ of Bola Ahmed Tinubu or any other individual. This affront must be condemned by all who still believe in constitutional democracy.”