The African Democratic Congress has accused some agents of the Federal Government of attempting to interfere with the judiciary in the ongoing leadership case involving Nafiu Bala.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdulahi, the party said recent events confirm its suspicion that there is an ongoing effort to influence how the case is handled in court. The party pointed to a letter written by Nafiu Bala requesting the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to reassign his case to another judge as evidence of what it described as a troubling development.
The ADC said this move confirms its belief that there is a coordinated attempt led by what it called a notorious federal minister to manipulate the judicial process. According to the party, the issue is no longer about justice or the strength of the case but about political actors trying to control court proceedings after facing setbacks.
The party argued that the situation shows an effort by Nafiu Bala and those supporting him to turn the judiciary into a system where parties can choose judges they believe will favour their position. It stressed that no individual involved in a legal case has the right to select the judge who hears it, regardless of dissatisfaction with earlier proceedings.
The ADC also expressed concern over what it described as attempts to delay the case through requests for indefinite adjournment. It said this comes despite clear directives from the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for the matter to be handled quickly. The party warned that such actions raise serious concerns about whether lower courts are fully complying with instructions from higher judicial authorities.
According to the statement, the party believes the aim of these moves is to slow down the process until a more favourable judicial outcome can be secured. It said this behaviour undermines the principle of speedy justice and creates room for manipulation of the legal system.
The ADC further stated that such actions contribute to public concern about political interference in court matters and risk damaging confidence in the judiciary.
It added that it remains committed to supporting the rule of law but insisted that the rule of law must not be replaced by pressure tactics, intimidation of judges, or attempts to influence which court hears a case.
The party called on the judiciary to maintain its independence and urged judicial officers to carry out their duties without fear of political interference or organised efforts to sway legal proceedings.
