The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday accused some people linked to the Federal Government of trying to influence the judiciary by changing the judge handling the party’s leadership case involving Nafiu Bala.
The party on Friday made the allegation in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who said fresh actions around the case had strengthened the party’s fears that some political forces were working behind the scenes to affect the outcome of the matter.
The statement said the party received a letter written by Bala to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, asking that the case be moved to another judge.
What began as an internal legal matter now appears to be turning into an attempt to influence judicial proceedings, according to the party.
The statement read, “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.”
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The ADC said the issue was no longer about justice or the strength of the case, but about political desperation.
Bala and those working with him were accused of trying to choose a judge that would favour their position.
The party said, “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 party also questioned recent efforts to seek an indefinite adjournment, despite earlier directions from higher courts for speedy hearing of the matter.
The party noted that instead of allowing the case to move forward, some people were allegedly looking for ways to delay proceedings until they found a court that suited their plans.
The ADC insisted that such actions could damage public trust in the judiciary.
The statement maintained that the ADC is still committed to the rule of law but warned against judicial intimidation and forum shopping.
The party warned, “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.”
