As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the challenge to Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the 2024 Edo governorship election, the presence of a controversial judge in Benin has stirred public suspicion.

Justice John Inyang Okoro of the Nigerian Supreme Court, who was previously linked to judicial corruption by the State Security Service (SSS), was seen at the Protea Hotel in Benin, Edo State, on Thursday night.

Eyewitness footage appears to show Mr Okoro at the hotel premises.

Supreme Court insiders have since confirmed that the man in the video was indeed the embattled justice.

Justice Okoro’s presence in Benin has raised concerns due to its timing, just as opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), prepare to escalate their legal challenge over the state’s recent gubernatorial election to the apex court.

Human rights advocate and legal scholar, Chidi Odinkalu, acknowledged the judge’s visit to Benin in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

Mr Odinkalu further alleged that Mr Okoro’s visit was to hold a meeting with Edo State Attorney-General, Samson Osagie.

Mr Odinkalu’s post intensified speculation about behind-the-scenes dealings related to the high-profile election dispute.

However, when contacted by DAILY GAZETTE for clarification, Mr Osagie vehemently denied any such meeting took place.

“I had no meeting with any justice at Protea, please,” he stated.

“When has it become an offence to walk freely as Attorney General simply because some losers are desperate to drag everyone down?”

He continued to deny the allegations when pressed for further clarification.

“There is no iota of truth in the online circulation of my meeting with any judicial officer. I seriously object, please,” he reiterated.

Meanwhile, Mr Okoro has remained silent on the matter, declining to respond to several inquiries from newsmen.

Additionally, no official comment has been made by a Supreme Court spokesperson as of Friday afternoon.

Justice Okoro has faced public scrutiny before.

In October 2016, he was among a group of high-ranking judges, including the late Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, arrested by SSS operatives during a sweeping anti-corruption operation targeting the judiciary.

At the time, officials alleged that large sums of U.S dollars were found at Mr Okoro’s residence, suggesting possible bribery tied to Supreme Court rulings.

Despite the gravity of the accusations, Justice Okoro denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the seized funds were not related to illicit activities.

He was later permitted to continue serving on the Supreme Court bench, reportedly following a behind-closed-doors arrangement with then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

Since then, observers have accused Justice Okoro of exhibiting bias in politically sensitive cases, often siding with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His recent appearance in Benin, with the PDP’s legal challenge on the verge of reaching the Supreme Court, has therefore reignited fears about the impartiality of Nigeria’s highest court in matters of electoral justice.

Opposition parties in Nigeria have sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his remarks during his Democracy Day address, in which he expressed satisfaction over the internal crises plaguing several political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja, President Tinubu had stated, “Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist.”

“For me, I would say try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you do so. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”

Tinubu, while acknowledging the influx of defectors into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), defended the party’s openness.

“We would be guilty of political malpractice if we closed the door on those from other parties who now seek to join the APC and I sincerely welcome our party’s newest members from Delta and Akwa Ibom States led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Pastor Umo Eno and other members of this National Assembly,” he said.

The president’s comments sparked an outcry among opposition leaders who described them as anti-democratic and reflective of a deeper plot to weaken political pluralism.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the Tinubu-led administration of deploying state resources to stifle opposition.

The party’s National Chairman, Dr Ralph Okey Nwosu, condemned the president’s statement in a telephone interview with DAILY GAZETTE.

“It’s most unfortunate that one of the persons who fought the military, so badly and then one of the chieftains of NADECO, happened to be in the driver’s seat today and they are spending state resources to muzzle the opposition and then trying to form a one-party fascism that is even more draconian than the military. It’s unfortunate,” Nwosu said.

He added, “We are mindful of all their plots and we are navigating it as patriots. 2027 will show them what the opposition are made of and also the will of the Nigerian people.”

Nwosu said opposition forces were already strengthening alliances.

“The coalition is so strong. I have had meetings with all the critical stakeholders in this coalition, and their preoccupation for now is to build a party that Nigerian people will own as their own party and to begin the journey to a truly new Nigeria, as the patriots who worked hard to see the military off.

“We, the leaders of ADC are handing over the party, but let us build a party that has a clear ethical standard. So, whatever they are causing, spending government resources just to cause problems within the opposition, it will not work for them. We have gone beyond that.”

“PDP leaders, a lot of APC leaders, Labour Party leaders and many other patriots, we have gone beyond that and time will tell,” he said.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also reacted, warning that the president would be shocked by the outcome of the 2027 elections.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, told DAILY GAZETTE, “After this convention that is coming, the PDP will stabilise. A year before the election, APC will realise what they have done to themselves.”

He added, “If Nigerians are the ones that truly vote in a democracy, then let’s wait and see. When APC is able to have 16 years in power, then it would be in a position to speak.”

“Because between you and I, we know what Nigerians are facing and we know what Nigerians are planning to do in 2027. So there is nothing for us to worry about.”

Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, accused the Tinubu administration of rolling back the democratic achievements of June 12.

He wrote on social media: “The gains of June 12 were hard-won. But sadly, the democratic promise that blossomed in 1999 is being steadily dismantled before our very eyes.

“Today, Nigeria teeters on the edge of a dangerous precipice, a creeping one-party dictatorship is replacing the democratic order we bled for.

“Those who laid down their lives did not do so for Nigerians to groan under the yoke of authoritarianism and economic suffocation.

“The ruling party and its federal government now govern with the unmistakable intent to dominate, subdue and silence. Their tactics are not subtle.

“Opposition voices are being systematically erased. National institutions, once symbols of unity, are being brazenly renamed in honour of a sitting president, as though the country were a private estate.”

Atiku added, “Institutions have been weaponised. Policies are crafted not to empower the people but to entrench fear, obedience and control.”

“The common Nigerian has been abandoned at the altar of elite comfort. And make no mistake: this is the antithesis of everything June 12 stands for.”

He concluded, “We are again at a historic threshold. Nigeria must choose: the path of democratic renewal or the dark alley of despotism.”

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) also weighed in through its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Segun Aiyenigba.

Describing Tinubu’s remarks as “executive rascality, and ego tripping of the day,” Aiyenigba said, “We are focused on strengthening and strongly positioning our capacity to meet the quest of Nigerians in becoming the credible alternative and the much-looked up to veritable vehicle for national redemption and to make life more meaningful for Nigerians.”

Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), echoed similar sentiments.

“President Tinubu’s brazen exultation in the crippling crises tearing apart Nigeria’s opposition parties, while feigning opposition to a one-party state is a grotesque display of hypocrisy that savages the very soul of democracy.

“His insidious remarks not only betray his intimate knowledge of these orchestrated turmoils but also expose his administration’s sinister complicity in engineering them.

“No patriot, let alone a democrat, would revel in the ruthless dismantling of political rivals essential to a vibrant democratic system.”

“Tinubu’s venomous double-speak is a calculated assault on Nigeria’s pluralistic ideals, laying bare a despotic ambition that imperils the nation’s future,” he said.

Ameh added, “By strangling the opposition’s stability, Tinubu is orchestrating a chilling purge of dissent, paving the way for a tyrannical monopoly that suffocates political participation and obliterates accountability.”

Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to use the symbolic occasion of Democracy Day to end what he described as the “military-style suppression of democracy” in Rivers State.

Speaking on Thursday, Dickson said the president had missed a critical opportunity to restore constitutional governance in Rivers, where a state of emergency has been in place since March 2025.

“You cannot claim to be a democrat on paper and trample on democracy in practice. The President missed a golden opportunity today (yesterday) to restore constitutional order in Rivers,” he declared.

The emergency rule, declared by President Tinubu via a nationwide broadcast, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a period of six months.

Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the state’s sole administrator.

Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu justified the drastic move as necessary to restore order in the state, which had been rocked by a bitter political feud between Governor Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over control of the state’s political structure.

The declaration of emergency was subsequently ratified by the National Assembly following the president’s formal request.

Since then, Ibas has overseen governance in Rivers, while Fubara has continued consultations with key stakeholders in a bid to resolve the crisis.

However, Senator Dickson, who had vocally opposed the move and even staged a walkout from the Senate chamber over the matter, maintained that the action represented an egregious overreach by the executive.

“This is not about Governor Fubara or any party. It is about the people of Rivers State and the sanctity of our democratic institutions. Today, it is Rivers, tomorrow, it could be Lagos or Kano,” Dickson warned.

He likened the events in Rivers to previous incidents during the last general elections, claiming both reflected a broader pattern of democratic backsliding under Tinubu’s leadership.

“What happened in Lagos during the elections was a power grab. What is happening in Rivers is a continuation of that trend. We cannot build democracy on a foundation of repression and silence,” he stated.

The former Bayelsa governor accused the Tinubu-led administration of using federal influence to legitimize “unconstitutional governance” in Rivers State and described such actions as fundamentally incompatible with the spirit of June 12, a day that commemorates Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.

“It’s deeply ironic that on a day meant to celebrate the triumph of civil authority, the Senate is endorsing actions that undermine the Constitution. You cannot preach democracy and practice autocracy.”

“President Tinubu’s speech was beautifully written, but his silence on Rivers betrays a troubling disregard for the rule of law,” Dickson said.

Rejecting claims that his stance was politically motivated, Dickson emphasized that his opposition was based on principle and a commitment to democratic integrity.

“This is not just about one state or one governor. This is about our collective future. The struggle of June 12 wasn’t just about voting, it was about dignity, justice, and the voice of the people. We must not betray that legacy,” he concluded.

Senator Dickson called on Nigerians across party lines, regions, and ethnic groups to defend democratic principles and uphold constitutional values, warning that silence in the face of repression could endanger the nation’s democratic future.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of pushing Nigerian democracy into a state of decline.

In a statement released Thursday titled “Democracy in Decline: Reflecting on Two Years of Tinubu’s Governance”, Obi assessed the administration’s performance across various sectors and found it gravely wanting.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said a thorough evaluation of the past two years under Tinubu points to significant governance failures.

He accused the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government of falling short on critical indicators such as corruption, prudence, economic management, insecurity, and democratic practice.

Obi expressed concern over the President’s frequent foreign travels, suggesting that Tinubu should instead prioritize visiting Nigeria’s 36 states.

“Mr. President you have already made over 30 international trips, spending nearly 150 days abroad.”

“If you tour Nigeria’s 36 states and dedicate just 2 days to tour each state, it would take only 72 days for you to do so, less than half the time you have already spent in other areas of the country on foreign trips. You need to go around the country to see,” Obi advised.

Reflecting on the health of Nigeria’s democracy, Obi urged Tinubu to take a cue from past presidents.

“To emulate late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who was honest enough to admit the process that brought him into office was wrong and not sufficiently credible,” Obi said, calling on the President to act decisively to safeguard the nation’s democracy.

He also referenced former President Goodluck Jonathan’s concession of defeat as a significant democratic gesture.

“He saved the democracy by accepting defeat even before the election result, announced in the dark.”

Obi described the current era as one dominated by impunity and lawlessness.

“We must end this troubling governance era that is filled with impunity, state capture, and absolute disregard for the rule of law and the checks and balances required of any worthwhile democracy,” he said.

According to Obi, the country no longer meets the criteria for a functioning democracy.

“In our present state, our dear country, Nigeria, cannot be justly classified as a democratic country. The vital indications of democracy are noticeably absent. Some do not even exist.”

He added “Democracy is said to be ‘a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,’ yet none of these three measures exist in our democracy today.”

Obi accused the administration of celebrating mediocrity and misleading the public.

“The government today, rather than show genuine accountability and measurable progress, focuses on manipulating narratives, gaslighting the public, shifting blame and weaponizing governance.”

He painted a grim picture of current conditions, citing deteriorating security, education, and healthcare.

“Nigerians live in a worsening and worrisome insecurity, widespread corruption, hunger, and general despondency.”

“There are no clear benchmarks for measuring tangible development, as we continue to witness the collapse of key indicators, like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, which are presently measuring national progress.”

“Our country today can best be described as a nation declining fast in all its facets. The security of lives and property has worsened, and the rule of law is virtually non-existent.”

Providing economic data, Obi noted a dramatic fall in GDP and income levels.

“On May 29th, 2023, when the organisation was sworn into office, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at $364 billion. As of today, it has declined to $188 billion, a decline of almost fifty per cent (50%).”

“Nigeria’s GDP per capita was $1,640 as of May 2023, but today it has dropped drastically to about $835, a devastating decline of about 50%.”

He added that poverty is deepening under the current administration.

“Nigerians living in multi-dimensional poverty increased from 38.9% to 54% within this period, with about 129 million Nigerians now living below the poverty line.”

“The World Bank reported recently that 75% of Nigerians in rural areas now live in poverty as of 2025, and even more than previously recorded in the urban areas.”

Obi lamented Nigeria’s education crisis:
“Today, more than 18.3 million Nigerian children are out of school, the highest number in the world. The quality of education in Nigeria is also deteriorating rapidly.”

“Many of our children are being taught sciences without any science labs and computer studies without any computers. Students are now writing WAEC and other national exams in the dark, relying on candles. There are now even glitches in their exams.”

On healthcare, he shared personal observations:
“The National Primary Health Care Development Agency decried that less than 20% of over 30,000 Primary Health Care Centres across the nation are fully functional.”

“I have even, recently visited some Health centres where delivery rooms were without toilets. The United Nations recently reported Nigeria as the world’s worst country to give birth, with one death recorded every seven minutes.”

Obi also raised alarms about the collapse of local businesses:
“Within the past two years, approximately 7 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) shut down across Nigeria. Over 80 manufacturing companies have permanently closed their operations.”

“Funding costs, including the cost of raw materials and energy, have surged to an incredible level, forcing these manufacturers to shut down.”

“Over 15 major multinationals (including GlaxoSmithKline, Diageo, Procter & Gamble, and Shoprite) have exited Nigeria due to the harsh operating environment.”

The hunger crisis, he noted, has worsened dramatically:
“Based on the Global Hunger Index (GHI) report, Nigeria’s hunger situation has taken a hit, as we are now one of the hungriest countries in the world. Millions can no longer afford food due to the high costs of food and nonexistent disposable income.”

He linked the worsening national mood to mental health issues:
“Our national population is experiencing a mental health crisis as the mental health and stress levels in this period have increased drastically. Nigeria is now one of the top three (3) most stressful organisations in the world.”

“Fifty-nine per cent of the organisation’s population is under daily stress. Mental health experts and advocates have warned that the present situation in Nigeria is having extremely adverse effects on the population as it contributes to anger, anxiety, and depression levels in the country.”

Obi also criticised the government’s borrowing record, which he says far exceeds those of previous administrations:

“Despite the trillions of naira purportedly saved from the removal of fuel subsidy (a policy initially justified as a means to curb borrowing), this government has, within two years, borrowed far more money than the administrations of President Umaru Yar’Adua, President Goodluck Jonathan, and President Muhammadu Buhari combined.”

He added “Today, Nigeria’s overall public debt is estimated at close to N188 trillion. Nigerians were informed that these borrowed funds would be allocated to critical sectors of development.”

“Still, there has been no significant improvement in education, healthcare, or poverty alleviation; critical sectors that are vitally important for national development.”

On the issue of corruption, Obi didn’t hold back:
“Brazen Corruption is at its worst under this administration. Nigeria has now become a crime scene. Now our national budget is routinely inflated and padded without consequences.”

“One of the most glaring manifestations of this is the extensive padding of the 2025 national budget. BudgIT revealed that about N7 trillion was questionably inserted by the National Assembly. These figures suggest a pattern of inflated costs and misappropriation of funds.”