The National Judicial Institute (NJI) has debunked viral social media claims that judges sang the political chorus “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” during the opening of the 2025 All Nigeria Judges Conference in Abuja. In a statement by its spokesperson, Kolade Umoru, the NJI said the allegation is “entirely false and unfounded,” stressing that the only song sung at the event was the National Anthem.
The Institute clarified that the tune associated with President Bola Tinubu was briefly played by the Guards Brigade Band as part of their ceremonial protocol while escorting the President to the podium, not by judges. It added that judges only stood out of respect for the President, not in support of any political message.
Reaffirming its neutrality, the NJI said the judiciary remains non-partisan and insulated from politics, warning that misinformation capable of undermining public trust in institutions should not be circulated.