The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned against what it described as attempts to interfere with judicial proceedings in the ongoing case involving Nafiu Bala Gombe at the Federal High Court in Abuja, cautioning that any pressure on the presiding judge could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, May 7, 2026, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, and reported by multiple Nigerian news platforms including Arise News and Premium Times. The party specifically raised concerns about Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, alleging that there were efforts to influence the handling of the case or prompt his recusal from proceedings.
According to the ADC, intelligence available to its legal team suggested that there were attempts by unnamed actors to ensure that the case is reassigned to another judge perceived as more favourable to certain interests. The party argued that such actions, if true, would amount to interference in judicial independence and a threat to constitutional governance.
The statement further referenced the procedural status of the case, noting that although a Certified True Copy of a Supreme Court judgment had not yet been formally transmitted to the trial court at the time, the matter had still been scheduled for hearing. The ADC described this sequence of events as unusual and expressed concern that it could be part of a broader effort to influence judicial outcomes.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who is presiding over the matter at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has not publicly responded to the allegations. The Federal High Court also has not issued any official statement regarding claims of pressure or attempted interference in the case.
The case itself stems from a leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress involving Nafiu Bala Gombe and other party stakeholders. Court filings show that Bala is challenging the legitimacy of the party leadership structure, while rival factions within the ADC continue to contest control of the party’s national leadership.
Court records and media reports indicate that the Supreme Court recently directed that the matter proceed at the Federal High Court for accelerated hearing, effectively returning the dispute to the trial court for substantive determination. The case has since been subject to multiple procedural motions, including applications for adjournment and reassignment requests, which have been disputed by opposing counsel.
In its statement, the ADC also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to safeguard judicial independence and ensure that no external pressure influences the assignment or determination of politically sensitive cases. The party insisted that judicial recusal or reassignment must follow due process and cannot be driven by political considerations.
The Federal High Court case has attracted broader political attention due to its implications for internal party leadership and its potential impact on the structure of opposition politics ahead of future elections. Legal representatives involved in the matter have previously argued in court filings that all parties should respect existing judicial timelines and avoid actions that could be interpreted as “forum shopping” or attempts to delay proceedings.
As of the time of reporting, no formal investigation or disciplinary action has been announced by judicial authorities in relation to the allegations raised by the ADC. Neither the Federal Government nor the defendants in the case have issued public responses addressing the specific claims of interference cited in the party’s statement.
The matter remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where further hearings are expected as the substantive issues in the leadership dispute continue to be adjudicated.
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