Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has questioned the circumstances surrounding the court victories of Nafiu Bala Gombe in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Oseni wondered who was backing Bala, a Deputy National Chairman of the party, to secure favourable court decisions, including an order for a judge to be changed.
The broadcaster made the remarks on Friday during Arise Television’s Morning Show while reacting to the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on Thursday nullified the processes that produced former Senate President David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and other national officers of the party.
The judge also cancelled the nominations of all ADC candidates for the 2027 general elections, ruling that they emerged through an unlawful leadership structure.
Reacting, Oseni said Nigerians needed to understand the circumstances behind Bala’s legal victories, adding that the certified true copy of the judgment should be obtained and examined.
“So, what is really going on? Who are those backing Nafiu Bala Gombe?
“How is it that Nafiu Bala Gombe is so powerful now that his pleadings are accepted by the courts when he opted for a judge to be changed, and he got what he wanted,” he said.
Oseni also questioned the fairness of removing a leading presidential candidate from the ballot 73 days before an election.
He acknowledged that the ADC had the right to appeal the judgment but expressed concern about the implications of the ruling for Nigeria’s democracy.
“But the public opinion and public perception of things is so fundamental in delivering of justice,” he added.
He further questioned whether it would be fair to democracy if Atiku’s candidacy remained nullified following the court’s decision.
“The ADC has the right of appeal. Yes, they have the right to go up to the highest ladder.
“But is it going to be fair for democracy if that happens to Nigeria?” Oseni queried.
NEWSUNPLUG reports that the judgment has thrown the ADC leadership structure and preparations for the 2027 general elections into uncertainty.