BREAKING: Nafiu Bala Case: ADC Warns Against ‘Politically Compliant’ Judges

According to a report by Vanguard on Thursday, May 7, 2026, the African Democratic Congress has alleged an attempt to pressure Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja to withdraw from the ongoing Nafiu Bala Gombe case, warning that such a move could pave the way for the matter to be reassigned to judges perceived to be politically influenced.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC claimed that unnamed forces within political circles were trying to interfere with the judicial process in the politically sensitive case. The party said the situation raised concerns about possible manipulation of court proceedings for political advantage.

According to the ADC, the matter was unexpectedly scheduled before Justice Nwite for May 8 despite the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment not yet being formally released to the trial court. The party argued that the development contradicted previous directives for an accelerated hearing before the substantive trial judge.

“The party has uncovered a disturbing plot by desperate forces within the corridors of power to frustrate the course of justice by mounting pressure on Justice Nwite to step aside from the case so that it can be reassigned to judges perceived to be pliable and politically compliant,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC further alleged that attempts to remove the case from the judge through pressure or administrative actions would amount to interference in the administration of justice. It warned that the growing search for what it described as “friendly courts” could undermine constitutional democracy and public confidence in the judiciary.

The opposition party called on the National Judicial Council, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and other judicial stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the courts. It also urged members of the international community and diplomatic missions in Nigeria to closely observe developments surrounding the case.

Drawing comparisons with past political crises in Nigeria, the ADC cautioned against actions capable of weakening democratic institutions, insisting that the judiciary must remain independent and resistant to political influence.