A compromised judiciary threatens democracy, Tinubu tells judges

President Bola Tinubu says no judicial reform can succeed without integrity, warning that corruption within the judiciary poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Nigerian Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts in Abuja, Tinubu said the judiciary remains the country’s most reliable stabilising force in moments of uncertainty.

“Whenever Nigeria has faced moments of uncertainty, history has recorded that the Judiciary stood firm as the stabilising force of our national life,” he said.

“It is through the courage of judges and their judicial pronouncements that tyranny has been restrained and constitutional order preserved.”

Tinubu said public trust in the justice system has weakened due to delays, perceptions of corruption and concerns about access to justice. He urged judicial officers to confront these realities with honesty.

He said the bench must remain a symbol of honour and accountability.

“Let us be clear, no amount of reform can succeed if integrity is compromised. Justice must never be for sale; the bench must never be called a sanctuary for compromise,” Tinubu said.

The president said corruption anywhere in government is damaging, but corruption in the judiciary “destroys it to the core”.

“When justice is compromised, government loses its integrity and democracy loses its foundation,” he added.

Tinubu said his administration is prepared to work with the judiciary to protect its dignity and root out misconduct.

“With utmost seriousness, my administration stands ready to support every effort by the judiciary to preserve its dignity and eliminate misconduct,” he said.

Tinubu noted that judicial discipline should not be the responsibility of the National Judicial Council (NJC) alone.

“This is not a task for the National Judicial Council alone. It is a collective duty that rests on every judicial officer,” he said.

“Discipline within the judiciary must be firm, transparent and consistent. Only a judiciary that cleanses itself can command the moral authority to cleanse the society.”