Amanze Chinonye
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that some agents of the Federal Government are attempting to manipulate the judiciary in the ongoing leadership dispute involving Nafiu Bala, warning against what it described as “judge shopping” and political interference in the courts.
In a statement issued on Friday, the party claimed that recent developments surrounding the case had reinforced its fears that there were coordinated efforts to influence judicial proceedings.
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According to the ADC, its concerns deepened after receiving a letter allegedly written by Bala requesting the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign the matter to another judge.
The party described the move as an indication that “a sinister plot” was underway, alleging that political actors were seeking to interfere with the judicial process because proceedings were not progressing in their favour.
“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 statement said.
The ADC further accused Bala and his supporters of attempting to turn the judiciary into “a shopping mall where you pick and choose judges suitable for your political schemes.”
The opposition party argued that no litigant has the right to determine which judge should preside over a case, insisting that the integrity and independence of the judiciary must be protected.
The party also criticised what it described as attempts to seek an indefinite adjournment in the matter, despite what it said were directives from the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for an accelerated hearing.
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According to the ADC, the move raises questions about the willingness of lower courts to comply with the decisions of 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 added.
The ADC warned that political interference and alleged behind-the-scenes manipulation of judicial processes could further damage public confidence in the nation’s judiciary.
The party, however, maintained that it remained committed to the rule of law and called on judicial officers to resist intimidation and external pressure.
“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 party stated.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate response from Nafiu Bala or the Federal Government officials accused by the ADC.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
