ADC: Nafiu Gombe lauds courtroom over judgment in management dispute

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, has counseled the Federal High Court for what he described as “its independent, impartial and courageous handling of the leadership dispute involving the party.”

Gombe, in an announcement reacting to the judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, between himself and the ADC and 4 others, praised the trial decide for figuring out the matter primarily based on constitutional and statutory provisions slightly than political concerns.

He described the case as politically delicate and nationally important, noting that it raised essential questions on get together autonomy, inside democracy, constitutional compliance and the regulatory tasks of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the assertion, “With profound respect for the Bench, and with a deep sense of responsibility to the administration of justice in Nigeria, I most respectfully commend the Federal High Court and the trial Judge for the unbiased, neutral, and intellectually rigorous method through which His Lordship dealt with and decided the above-referenced matter.

“This commendation is neither an invite to prejudge any pending challenge nor a touch upon any matter nonetheless sub judice. It is made as a citizen and stakeholder in our democracy who recognises that when a courtroom speaks with readability, braveness, and constancy to the legislation, the general public should additionally reply with gratitude.

“By each measure, this was a politically delicate, extremely charged, and nationally watched dispute. It touched on get together autonomy, inside democracy, constitutional supremacy inside political associations, and the right position of the Independent National Electoral Commission as regulator. It is exactly in such circumstances that judicial independence is most examined, and most wanted.

“By subjecting the query of management emergence to constitutional and statutory scrutiny, slightly than to political expediency, His Lordship affirmed a foundational precept of Nigerian jurisprudence as supplied in Sections 1, 6, 228 and 223(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: political events usually are not above their very own constitutions, and the Electoral Act shouldn’t be a mere suggestion.

“Where a celebration’s structure prescribes a process for succession and management, that process have to be obeyed, Where a political get together fails to adjust to the principles, procedures, and constitutional provisions laid down for its personal governance, the courtroom is duty-bound to intervene with a purpose to safeguard democracy, uphold the rule of legislation, and stop anarchy as, no man is above the legislation, and no man is beneath it.

“This commendation shouldn’t be merely about one litigant succeeding and one other dropping. It is about what the judgment represents for Nigerians and for the African Democratic Congress:

“It restores public confidence {that a} decide can nonetheless determine on the legislation and the details alone, uninfluenced by political stress, media commentary, or the burden of personalities concerned within the go well with.

“It affirms that leadership must emerge through lawful process, not through imposition, and that aggrieved members have a legitimate right to seek redress in court rather than resort to self-help. It reassures ordinary Nigerians that the court remains the last hope of the common man, and indeed, of every man.”

The ADC chairman additionally mentioned the event would assist strengthen public confidence within the judiciary and reinforce the precept that management positions in political events ought to emerge by way of lawful and constitutionally recognised procedures.

He cited the judicial precept that justice should not solely be accomplished however should even be seen to be accomplished, saying the decide’s conduct within the case mirrored that normal.

He added, “As the Supreme Court has repeatedly held, “justice must not only be done, but must manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.” His Lordship’s conduct on this go well with embodies that precept.

“I due to this fact respectfully commend His Lordship for: Upholding the independence of the judiciary and the sanctity of the judicial oath to do proper to all method of individuals with out concern or favour, affection or ill-will; Demonstrating endurance, erudition, and firmness in a matter of immense political sensitivity; and delivering a judgment that strengthens the rule of legislation, get together self-discipline, and constitutional democracy in Nigeria.

“May His Lordship’s instance proceed to encourage the Bench and the Bar, and should the Federal High Court proceed to face as a bastion of neutral justice.

“I also wish to place on record my profound commendation to our team of lawyers for their exceptional diligence, intellectual rigour, and unwavering commitment to the cause of justice. Their professionalism, perseverance, and fidelity to the rule of law were instrumental in ensuring that justice was not only sought, but seen to be done.”

He additionally expressed appreciation to supporters of his management throughout the nation for his or her solidarity, loyalty and prayers all through the authorized proceedings.

He urged the judiciary to maintain its dedication to neutral justice, constitutional democracy and the rule of legislation.