The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal High Court’s decision to indefinitely adjourn its leadership dispute suit, describing the move as contrary to the Supreme Court’s directive for an expedited hearing.

The party said the court’s action had reinforced its concerns over alleged judicial manipulation and political interference in the leadership tussle involving Nafiu Bala.

In a statement issued on Friday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed surprise that the plaintiff, who sought justice, was resisting a speedy hearing of the case.

Abdullahi said the request by Bala’s legal team to transfer the suit challenging the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) to another judge was part of efforts to manipulate judicial processes and secure a favourable judge.

He also alleged that some external forces were attempting to influence proceedings by seeking a change of the judge handling the matter.

“This is no longer about justice or the merit of the case, but about the desperation of political operatives confronted by the utter frivolity of their case,” he said.

According to him, no litigant has the right to determine which judge should preside over a matter simply because proceedings appear unfavourable.

Abdullahi further argued that seeking an indefinite adjournment after appellate courts had directed an accelerated hearing raised serious concerns about compliance with decisions of superior courts.

“Instead of allowing the matter to proceed expeditiously, as any genuinely aggrieved plaintiff seeking justice would do, Bala and his handlers are looking for ways to delay the case until they find a judge willing to do their bidding and pervert the course of justice,” he stated.

He, however, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law, stressing that judicial independence must prevail over intimidation, forum shopping and politically motivated interference.