The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised strong objections to the move by lawyers representing Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking the reassignment and transfer of his lawsuit against the David Mark-led National Working Committee. In a statement released on Friday, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over what he described as a curious and laughable attempt by a plaintiff claiming to seek justice to avoid a speedy hearing of his own case.
ADC Questions Motives Behind Reassignment Request
The ADC stated that the letter written by Nafiu Bala, requesting the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign the matter to another judge, is part of a broader scheme to manipulate the judiciary. The party reiterated its fears that agents of the Federal Government are making frantic efforts to have the case assigned to a judge favorable to their interests.
According to the statement, "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. Having received the letter written by Bala requesting the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign the case to another judge, it has now been proven beyond all reasonable doubt that the sinister plot allegedly led by a notorious federal minister is indeed afoot."
Allegations of Political Interference
The opposition party emphasized that this development is no longer about justice or the merit of the case, but about the desperation of political operatives confronted by the weakness of their own arguments. The ADC accused Nafiu Bala and his handlers of trying to turn the judiciary into a "shopping mall" where litigants can pick and choose judges suitable for their political schemes.
"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 statement added.
Questions Over Compliance with Higher Courts
The ADC also questioned the attempt to seek an indefinite adjournment after the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court had directed a speedy trial. The party expressed concern that this raises serious questions about the willingness of 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," the statement read.
Call for Judicial Independence
The ADC lamented that such political interference and behind-the-scenes manipulation have brought the judiciary into disrepute. The party reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, but warned against replacing the rule of law with judicial intimidation or forum shopping.
"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," the statement concluded.
