In a recent interview shared by Arise News, constitutional lawyer, Fred Nzeako, clarified the limits of judicial authority while reacting to controversies surrounding opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC).…....
Speaking on the debates that followed recent rulings of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Nzeako addressed claims that the court ought to have resolved all disputes affecting parties such as the ADC. He maintained that such expectations misunderstand how the legal system operates.
“Some people are arguing that the Supreme Court would have handled all the issues; it would not handle issues that have not been brought before it,” he said.
He explained that the Supreme Court is an appellate court, meaning it can only decide on matters that have passed through lower courts and are properly placed before it. According to him, issues relating to internal disputes within the ADC or any other political party must first be filed and determined at the appropriate level before reaching the apex court.
Nzeako noted that public reactions often ignore procedural requirements, leading to criticism of the judiciary. He emphasized that respect for due process is essential to maintaining confidence in democratic institutions.
He urged political actors to properly channel grievances through the courts instead of expecting blanket rulings on unresolved matters.