The ADC blamed the court for the indefinite postponement of the leadership crisis lawsuit

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the Federal High Court’s indefinite stay on its leadership dispute lawsuit as a contradiction to the Supreme Court’s directive.

The party said the court’s action underscored its fears of judicial manipulation and political interference in the leadership case involving Nafiu Bala-Gombe.

The party also questioned the move by the plaintiff’s lawyer who requested the transfer of the lawsuit against the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark to another judge.

Justice Emeka Nwite earlier on Friday adjourned the case indefinitely after hearing arguments from lawyers on both sides.

In a statement in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the decision raised eyebrows that plaintiffs seeking justice would reject a speedy trial.

Abdullahi said Bala-Gonbe’s request to move the case was part of an effort to manipulate the judicial process and get a preferred judge.

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He also alleged that external forces made extensive efforts to influence the trial process by changing the judge handling the matter.

“This is no longer about justice or the merits of the case, but about the desperation of political operatives who are faced with the frivolity of their case.

“Bala and his administrators turned the judiciary into a shopping mall where judges were chosen for political convenience,” he said.

Abdullahi emphasized that no litigant has the right to determine which judge should preside over a case as the trial process appears to be unfavorable.

He argued that requesting an indefinite postponement after the appeals court ordered a speedy trial raised concerns about compliance with higher judicial authorities.

“Instead of allowing this case to proceed quickly, as aggrieved plaintiffs who genuinely seek justice would do, Bala and his handlers are looking for ways to delay this case until they can find a judge willing to do their bidding and pervert the course of justice.

“We regret to say that this is the kind of political interference and behind-the-scenes manipulation that has brought the judiciary into disrepute,” an ADC spokesperson said.

But Abdullahi reiterated his party’s commitment to the rule of law, and stressed that judicial independence must take precedence over intimidation, forum shopping and politically motivated interference.

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