The African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the letter by lawyers to Nafiu Bala Gombe seeking the reassignment and transfer of his suit against the David Mark-led National Working Committee, is a confirmation that the All Progressives Congress APC (APC) is behind its leadership crisis.
ADC in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said it 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.
“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 party stated.
ADC told Bala that he cannot file a case and at the same time dictate which judge should hear it simply because proceedings are not going his way.
“No litigant has the right to choose a judge in his own matter,” the party stated.
It warned that any attempt to seek an indefinite adjournment after the direction of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for a speedy trial, raises serious questions about the willingness of the lower courts to obey express orders from superior courts.
“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,” ADC said.
The party regretted that political interference and behind-the-scenes manipulation has brought the judiciary into disrepute, and promised that it would continue to stand by the rule of law.
According to the ADC, 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,” ADC demanded.
