TDThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as covert interference by federal government agents in the ongoing case involving Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The party alleges that Hon. Justice Nwite is being pressured to recuse himself from the matter, a move it warns would undermine judicial independence.
In a strongly worded statement, the ADC accused “desperate forces within the corridors of power” of plotting to frustrate the course of justice by forcing Justice Nwite to step aside.
That would effectively pave the way for the reassignment of the case to judges perceived to be politically compliant.
The party described the alleged scheme as a “direct assault on the integrity of the judiciary” and a dangerous attempt to weaponize state institutions against the opposition.
According to the ADC Legal Team, the case has been curiously fixed before Justice Nwite for May 8, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment not yet being released or formally communicated to the trial court.
The party insists this unusual haste is part of a calculated effort to compel the judge’s withdrawal.
The ADC emphasized that judicial recusal is not a matter of political convenience, but a measure guided strictly by law and established principles.
“A judge does not abandon his constitutional duty merely because vested interests have manufactured allegations against him,” the statement read.
The party further warned that attempts to manipulate judicial assignments amount to interference in the due administration of justice.
It stressed that such actions threaten Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
The ADC, therefore, called on the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the international community to intervene.
It urged vigilance against what it termed a “dangerous descent into judicial compromise.”
“The independence of the judiciary remains the bedrock of every democratic society,” the party declared.
It added that Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into an era where justice is determined by political whims rather than the rule of law.
The ADC concluded by reminding Nigerians of past democratic collapses, including the June 12 mandate crisis.
It warned that history must not be allowed to repeat itself.
“The judiciary must remain the last hope of the common man, not the last refuge of desperate politicians terrified of justice,” the party stated.
