RismadarVoice Reporters
May 7, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused unnamed government actors of attempting to interfere in the ongoing judicial proceedings involving its member, Nafiu Bala Gombe, alleging efforts to pressure Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court to recuse himself from the case.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC warned that any attempt to influence judicial assignment or remove the presiding judge would amount to a breach of judicial independence and an attack on democratic governance.
The party alleged that it had uncovered what it described as a plot to frustrate the course of justice by mounting pressure on Justice Nwite to withdraw from the matter, with the intention of having the case reassigned to another judge perceived to be more compliant.
According to the ADC, such actions, if confirmed, would undermine public confidence in the judiciary and weaken constitutional democracy.
The party also raised concerns over the scheduling of proceedings in the case, noting that the matter had been fixed for hearing before Justice Nwite on May 8, 2026, despite the alleged non-release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a Supreme Court judgment connected to the matter.
It described the development as unusual and claimed it formed part of a broader plan to create grounds for the judge’s recusal.
“The ADC has credible reasons to believe that this unusual haste is part of a calculated scheme to force Justice Nwite into recusing himself, thereby creating an opening for reassignment of the case,” the statement read.
The opposition party maintained that judicial recusal is governed by law and established principles, insisting that it cannot be triggered by political pressure or external influence.
It further argued that even where petitions exist against a judicial officer, due process requires that all parties be duly notified and heard before any administrative decision is taken.
The ADC warned that any attempt to manipulate judicial proceedings or influence court assignment would amount to a direct interference in the administration of justice.
It urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to urgently intervene, calling for safeguards to protect judicial independence and prevent what it described as “dangerous interference” in politically sensitive cases.
The party also appealed to diplomatic missions and the international community to closely monitor developments, stressing that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depended on the independence of the judiciary.
“The independence of the judiciary remains the bedrock of every democratic society, and any attempt by state actors to intimidate judges or interfere in judicial assignments strikes at the very heart of constitutional governance,” the statement added.
The ADC further referenced past political transitions in Nigeria, warning against what it described as attempts to compromise judicial integrity for political gain.
