RismadarVoice Reporters
May 8, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged attempts to manipulate the judiciary in the ongoing leadership dispute involving Nafiu Bala Gombe and the party’s National Working Committee led by former Senate President David Mark.
In a statement issued Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party criticised a request by Bala’s lawyers seeking the reassignment of the case to another judge of the Federal High Court.
The ADC described the move as contradictory to the plaintiff’s professed desire for justice and accused him of attempting to delay proceedings.
“It was curious, if not outright laughable, that a plaintiff who claims to want justice is now running away from the speedy hearing of his own case,” the statement said.
The party alleged that the request for reassignment was part of a broader effort by unnamed agents of the ruling party to influence the judicial process and secure a preferred judge for the matter.
According to the ADC, the development confirmed its fears of political interference in the judiciary.
“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,” the statement added.
The party further argued that seeking an indefinite adjournment contradicted earlier directives by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for an accelerated hearing of the case.
“The attempt to seek an indefinite adjournment after the clear direction of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court for a speedy trial raises serious questions about the willingness of the lower courts to obey express orders from superior courts,” the ADC stated.
The opposition party accused Bala and his supporters of attempting to stall proceedings until they secured a judge willing to favour their position.
It also warned against what it described as “forum shopping,” insisting that litigants do not have the right to choose judges for their cases.
While reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the ADC called on the judiciary to resist political interference and preserve its independence.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
