The Presidency has strongly responded to criticism by the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, regarding the provision of residential accommodation for members of the judiciary by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The reaction came from Presidential Senior Adviser on Digital and New Media, O’tega Ogra, who questioned Obi’s stance and accused the former Anambra State governor of applying double standards to governance issues.

Speaking through a post on his official X account, Ogra argued that the criticism directed at the Federal Government’s effort to improve the welfare of judges was inconsistent with actions taken by Obi during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

According to the presidential aide, providing decent housing for judicial officers should be viewed as an effort to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary rather than an attempt to influence court decisions.

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Ogra specifically referenced a project undertaken by Obi in 2013, during which judges’ quarters were reportedly constructed and handed over to judicial officers in Anambra State.

He questioned why a similar initiative was considered good governance when implemented by Obi but is now being portrayed negatively when carried out by the current administration.

The presidential aide stated that if constructing residential accommodation for judges was regarded as a positive contribution to judicial development in Anambra, it should not suddenly be interpreted as an attempt to compromise judicial independence at the federal level.

He argued that governance policies should be judged on their merits rather than on the personalities involved in implementing them.

According to Ogra, the argument that judicial housing weakens the independence of the courts does not align with previous actions taken by Obi while serving as governor.

The Presidency maintained that improving the welfare and working conditions of judges remains essential for safeguarding the integrity of the justice system.

Ogra further stressed that poor living and working conditions can expose judicial officers to undue pressure, external influence, and attempts at manipulation by individuals seeking to exploit weaknesses within the system.

He explained that an independent judiciary requires not only constitutional protection but also practical support mechanisms that enable judges to carry out their responsibilities without unnecessary hardship.

The presidential aide emphasized that providing decent accommodation should be viewed as part of broader efforts to strengthen institutions and enhance the administration of justice across the country.

The exchange has generated fresh political debate as discussions around governance, institutional reforms, and preparations for the 2027 elections continue to intensify.

Supporters of the Federal Government argue that investments in judicial infrastructure are necessary to improve efficiency and protect the independence of the courts. Critics, however, maintain that such initiatives must always be implemented transparently to avoid perceptions of undue influence.

As political conversations continue to evolve, the latest disagreement highlights the growing scrutiny of policy decisions and governance records among leading political figures ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The Presidency insists that improving judges’ welfare remains a legitimate governance responsibility and should not be interpreted as an attempt to interfere with judicial processes.