Abuja: African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Federal High Court’s decision to indefinitely adjourn its leadership dispute suit, stating it contradicts directives from the Supreme Court.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the party expressed concerns that the court’s action confirmed fears of judicial manipulation and political interference in the leadership case involving Nafiu Bala. The ADC questioned the request by Bala’s lawyers to have the suit challenging the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) reassigned to another judge.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, highlighted the peculiarity of a plaintiff supposedly seeking justice while resisting a speedy hearing. Abdullahi alleged that Bala’s request to transfer the case was an attempt to manipulate judicial processes to secure a favorable judge.
He further claimed that external forces were attempting to influence proceedings by changing the judge presiding over the matter. Abdullahi emphasized that the issue was no longer about justice or the merit of the case, but rather the desperation of political operatives faced with the frivolity of their claims. He accused Bala and his associates of turning the judiciary into a place where judges are chosen for political convenience.
Abdullahi insisted that no litigant has the right to dictate which judge should handle their case simply because proceedings appear unfavorable. He argued that seeking an indefinite adjournment, despite appellate courts ordering a speedy trial, raised concerns about adherence to superior judicial authorities.
He expressed regret that such political interference and manipulations have tarnished the judiciary’s reputation. Abdullahi reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to the rule of law, stressing that judicial independence must prevail over intimidation, forum shopping, and politically-motivated interference.