The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the federal high court over the indefinite adjournment of the suit bordering on the party’s leadership dispute.
The party said the court’s decision reinforced concerns over alleged judicial manipulation and political interference in the case involving Nafiu Bala, a factional leader.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s national publicity secretary also questioned the move by Bala’s legal team seeking the reassignment of the case challenging the David Mark-led national working committee to another judge.
Abdullahi said it was curious that a plaintiff seeking justice would oppose speedy hearing of the matter.
According to him, the request for transfer of the suit was part of attempts to manipulate the judicial process and secure a preferred judge.
“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.
“Bala and his handlers are turning the judiciary into a shopping mall where judges are selected for political convenience,” he said.
Abdullahi maintained that no litigant had the right to determine the judge that would preside over a case simply because proceedings appeared unfavourable.
He argued that seeking an indefinite adjournment after appellate courts had ordered accelerated hearing raised questions about compliance with directives 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.
“We regret to say that this is exactly the kind of political interference and behind-the-scene manipulations that have brought the judiciary into disrepute,” he added.
The ADC spokesman, however, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law and judicial independence, insisting that the courts must be protected from intimidation, forum shopping and politically motivated interference.
