The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that judges at the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference sang a political song “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” in support of President Bola Tinubu.
On Tuesday, a video circulating on social media showed judges rising to their feet as the signature song was played to usher the president to the podium to address the conference.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NJI described the video as misleading, clarifying that the only song collectively rendered by all participants during the ceremony was the national anthem, performed at both the beginning and end of the event.
The institute noted that the brief playing of the tune “On Your Mandate” was performed solely by the guards brigade band as part of their ceremonial protocol to usher the president to the podium.
The NJI reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional neutrality, adding that the judiciary remains strictly non-partisan and insulated from political activities or symbols.
“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.”
