A serving judge has dismissed claims that Nigerian judges sang the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign song “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” during President Bola Tinubu’s address at the All Nigeria Judges’ Conference 2025, describing the reports as “totally untrue.” The judge described the allegations as “totally untrue” and urged the legal community to guard against damaging narratives that could tarnish the profession.
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Speaking anonymously to TheNigeriaLawyer to avoid media exposure, the judge explained that the song was played instrumentally by a band from the Presidency to usher in the President, and that no judge actually sang it. “Judges sang only the National Anthem at the conference. Some of them didn’t even know it was ‘On Your Mandate’ because it was instrumental,” the source said.
The controversy erupted late Monday when a video circulated on social media showing attendees at the biennial event, hosted by the National Judicial Council (NJC) at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, appearing to rise and chant the pro-Tinubu anthem. Legal scholar Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, amplified the clip on X (formerly Twitter), expressing shock and accusing the judiciary of “decamping” to the APC. “I didn’t believe it at first,” Odinkalu wrote, linking the incident to broader concerns over judicial independence amid recent national security lapses, including the killing of a military general and the abduction of students in Kaduna.
Over 1,000 judges from across Nigeria’s federal and state courts are attending the four-day conference, themed “Judicial Integrity in a Democratic Society,” which began on November 16. President Tinubu, the chief guest, delivered a keynote on Sunday urging the bench to uphold impartiality and resist external pressures. Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun had earlier emphasized the judiciary’s non-partisan role in her opening remarks.
In an exclusive chat with TheNigeriaLawyer, the judge who attended the event and requested anonymity citing professional sensitivities clarified the sequence of events, attributing the song’s playback to external factors beyond judicial control.
“I was at the event and I tell you on my honour that this is totally untrue,” the judge stated. “Yes, the band from the Presidency played the mandate song but the judges and all of us did not sing that song at all. The fact that the DJ decided to play the tune is beyond the judges’ control.”
The judge explained that the instrumental version, featuring saxophone and trumpet, was played briefly as a ceremonial usher-in for the President’s entrance, and many attendees, including some judges, were unaware of its title or lyrics. “Judges sang only the National Anthem at the ongoing conference. Some of them didn’t even know it was ‘On Your Mandate’ song that was played because it was instrumental and it was only to usher in the President while he was going to deliver his speech.”
Highlighting logistical disruptions, the source noted the State House’s standard security protocols, which involved taking over the NJI venue days in advance due to the President’s attendance. “The normal security arrangement of the villa is to take over the venue a few days before the program because of the President’s attendance, and most of us had our corporate and individual assignments affected because of this. It was later in the afternoon that the Institute took over its premises and programs.”
The judge appealed for restraint in public discourse, warning that hasty or exaggerated reports could erode public trust in the legal system. “The Bar and the Bench must be careful of our narratives so we don’t demean the legal profession. We and the judges are siblings of the same parents. Run one sibling down and it rubs negatively on the other.”
The statement echoes concerns from lawyers who fear the video could fuel perceptions of political bias in the judiciary.
The NJC and CJN’s office have yet to issue an official response, but sources indicate an internal review may address the matter to reaffirm judicial neutrality. Conference organizers confirmed the event proceeded smoothly otherwise, with sessions focusing on ethics, technology in adjudication, and anti-corruption measures.
As the conference continues through Wednesday, stakeholders are watching closely for any formal clarification.
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