The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has questioned the move by lawyers to Nafiu Bala Gombe seeking the reassignment and transfer of his suit against the David Mark-led National Working Committee.
NPO reports that this is following a request from Nafiu Bala Gombe for the transfer of his suit to another judge.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the request is part of an attempt to manipulate the judiciary and confirms the party’s fears that agents of the ruling party are making efforts to get the case assigned to one of their preferred judges.
The party said Bala’s move contradicted his claim that he wanted justice and a speedy hearing of the case.
The opposition party claimed some individuals connected to the ruling government wanted the matter assigned to a preferred judge.
The ADC described the development as an attempt to manipulate the court process in the leadership case.
“It is now obvious that Nafiu Bala Gombe and his handlers are trying to turn the judiciary into a shopping mall where you pick and choose judges suitable for your political schemes,” the statement said.
The ADC stressed that no litigant has the power to select a judge for a case.
The party also criticised the request for an indefinite adjournment in the matter.
According to the statement, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had already directed that the case should be heard quickly.
The ADC said the latest application for adjournment went against the order for a speedy trial.
The party accused Bala and his supporters of attempting to delay the proceedings until they found a judge willing to favour their position.
The ADC warned that political interference in the judiciary could damage public confidence in the courts and weaken the rule of law.
The party also said attempts to influence judges and delay proceedings could bring the judiciary into disrepute.
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and judicial 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” the statement added.