The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that judges at the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference sang the political tune “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” in support of President Bola Tinubu.
A video shared online on Tuesday showed judges rising to their feet as the song was played to usher President Tinubu to the podium, sparking claims of political partisanship among members of the judiciary.
Reacting on Wednesday, the NJI described the insinuations as misleading and inaccurate, insisting that the only song rendered collectively by participants during the event was the national anthem, which was performed at both the start and end of the ceremony.
According to the statement, the brief rendition of “On Your Mandate” was not a choir performance or chant by judges but a tune played solely by the Guards Brigade band as part of the standard ceremonial protocol used to usher in the President.
The institute clarified that it had no involvement in selecting the music for the ceremony, noting that the military band independently controls its ceremonial playlist.
It added that the judges stood up solely out of respect as President Tinubu approached the podium — a gesture recognising the office, not a show of political loyalty.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional neutrality and professional ethics, the NJI stressed that the judiciary remains non-partisan, insulated from political influences, and committed to upholding the rule of law without bias.
The statement read, “The attention of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) has been drawn to several misleading and inaccurate reports circulating on social media suggesting that Judges in attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference sang a political chorus (“On Your Mandate We Shall Stand”) in allegiance to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This claim is entirely false, unfounded, and does not reflect the events that transpired at the ceremony,” the statement reads.
“For the avoidance of doubt: The National Anthem was the only song rendered collectively by all participants at both the commencement and conclusion of the Opening Ceremony. No Judge in attendance sang or chanted any political song at any point during the programme.
“The brief rendition of the tune “On Your Mandate” was not initiated, requested, or endorsed by the Judiciary. It was played solely by the Guards Brigade Band as part of their ceremonial protocol to usher the President to the podium for his address.
“The Judiciary had no control over the musical selections of the Brigade, which operates under military ceremonial procedures. Out of deference to the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Judges rose to their feet as the President walked to the podium.
“The Judiciary remains strictly non-partisan, deeply committed to constitutional neutrality, and wholly insulated from political activities or symbols of political allegiance.”
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