The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the move by lawyers representing Nafiu Bala Gombe to seek the transfer of his lawsuit against the party’s National Working Committee, led by former Senate President David Mark.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the request as suspicious and accused the plaintiff of attempting to delay the case.
According to the statement, the ADC said it found it “curious, if not outright laughable, that a plaintiff who claims to want justice is now running away from the speedy hearing of his own case.”
The party claimed that Bala’s request for the case to be reassigned to another judge supported its fears that some individuals were attempting to influence the judiciary for political reasons.
“The African Democratic Congress would like to reiterate our fears that some agents of the federal government are making frantic efforts to manipulate the judiciary by switching the judge in the leadership matter involving Nafiu Bala,” the statement said.
The ADC further alleged that the request indicated a sinister plot allegedly led by a notorious federal minister.
It added, “This is no longer about justice or the merit of the case but about the desperation of political operatives confronted by the utter frivolity of their case.”
The party accused Bala and his supporters of attempting to select a judge favourable to their case.
“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 read.
“You cannot file a case and then begin to dictate which judge should hear it simply because proceedings are not going your way. No litigant has the right to choose a judge in his own matter.”
The ADC also questioned the decision to seek an indefinite adjournment despite earlier court rulings calling for a speedy hearing.
“The attempt to seek an indefinite adjournment after the clear direction of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for a speedy trial, in fact, raises serious questions about the willingness of the lower courts to obey express orders from superior courts,” the party said.
The statement continued, “Instead of allowing the matter to proceed expeditiously, as any aggrieved plaintiff genuinely seeking justice would, Bala and his handlers are looking for ways to stall the case until they are able to find a judge willing to do their bidding and pervert the course of justice.”
The ADC said such actions could damage public trust in the judiciary.
“We regret to say that this is exactly the kind of political interference and behind-the-scenes manipulation that has brought the judiciary into disrepute,” the statement added.
The party maintained that it would continue to support the rule of law and judicial independence.
“We want to state clearly that the ADC will continue to stand by the rule of law. But the rule of law must not be replaced with judicial intimidation or forum shopping.
“The courts must remain independent, and judicial officers must be allowed to do their work without political interference or orchestrated campaigns designed to influence proceedings.”
