ADC alleges plot to manipulate judiciary in leadership dispute
The African Democratic Congress has accused unnamed agents of the Federal Government of allegedly attempting to interfere in an ongoing leadership case involving Nafiu Bala, warning against what it described as efforts to manipulate the judicial process.
In a statement on Saturday by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC claimed that recent developments in the case had reinforced its concerns about alleged political interference and attempts to influence the assignment of judges handling the matter.
According to the party, a letter reportedly written by Nafiu Bala requesting the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign the case to another judge had raised suspicions about efforts to secure a more favourable judicial outcome.
“With this development, it is now obvious that Nafiu Bala Gombe and his handlers are trying to turn the judiciary into a shopping mall where you pick and choose judges suitable for your political schemes,” the statement said.
The party argued that litigants do not have the right to determine which judge presides over their cases, insisting that judicial processes must remain independent and free from political pressure.
“You cannot file a case and then begin to dictate which judge should hear it simply because proceedings are not going your way,” the statement added.
The ADC also questioned attempts to seek what it described as unnecessary delays in the matter, despite what it said were directives from higher courts for an accelerated hearing of the case.
“The attempt to seek an indefinite adjournment after the clear direction of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for a speedy trial raises serious questions,” Abdullahi stated.
