The Minister of State for Defence, Muhammed Bello Matawalle, has said the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming the leadership of the (ADC) under Senator David Mark demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s respect for judicial independence and democratic principles.

In a statement issued by his media aide on Friday, Ahmed Dan Wudil, Matawalle said the court’s dismissal of a suit filed by a House of Representatives member challenging the ADC leadership dispelled allegations that the Tinubu administration interferes in the judiciary or seeks to impose a one-party system.

According to the minister, the judgment reaffirmed the President’s commitment to due process, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary despite criticisms from opposition figures and sections of the political class.

Matawalle said President Tinubu’s democratic credentials predated his Presidency, noting that his involvement in Nigeria’s struggle for democratic rule reflected his belief in preserving democratic institutions.

He also maintained that the independence of the judiciary remained a cornerstone of the current administration, describing it as essential to Nigeria’s democratic survival, political stability and national unity.

The minister also accused some opposition politicians of spreading false narratives aimed at discrediting the President, arguing that they often questioned the judiciary only when court rulings did not favour their political interests.

On security, the minister said the Federal Government was committed to tackling insecurity across the country.

He stated that troops under Operation Fansan Yamma had recorded significant gains by dismantling bandits’ hideouts, neutralising suspected bandits’ leaders and reclaiming communities previously controlled by criminal groups in the North-West.

He added that similar operations by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in different parts of the country had continued to weaken terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, leading to improved security in affected communities.

The minister assured Nigerians that President Tinubu would continue to provide the military and other security agencies with the support, equipment and political backing needed to eliminate insecurity nationwide.