The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, has praised the Federal High Court for its handling of the leadership dispute rocking the party, describing the court’s intervention as a demonstration of judicial independence and commitment to the rule of law.
Gombe said the judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, involving him, the ADC and four others, reflected the importance of resolving internal political party disputes through constitutional and statutory provisions rather than political influence or expediency.
In a statement reacting to the judgment, the ADC chairman described the case as a politically sensitive dispute with significant implications for party autonomy, internal democracy, constitutional compliance and the regulatory responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He particularly commended the trial judge for what he called the impartial and intellectually rigorous manner in which the matter was handled.
According to him, “With profound respect for the Bench, and with a deep sense of duty to the administration of justice in Nigeria, I most respectfully commend the Federal High Court and the trial Judge for the independent, impartial, and intellectually rigorous manner in which His Lordship handled and determined the above-referenced matter.
“This commendation is neither an invitation to prejudge any pending issue nor a comment on any matter still sub judice. It is made as a citizen and stakeholder in our democracy who recognises that when a court speaks with clarity, courage, and fidelity to the law, the public must also respond with gratitude.
“By every measure, this was a politically sensitive, highly charged, and nationally watched dispute. It touched on party autonomy, internal democracy, constitutional supremacy within political associations, and the proper role of the Independent National Electoral Commission as regulator. It is precisely in such cases that judicial independence is most tested, and most needed.
“By subjecting the question of leadership emergence to constitutional and statutory scrutiny, rather than to political expediency, His Lordship affirmed a foundational principle of Nigerian jurisprudence as provided in Sections 1, 6, 228 and 223(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: political parties are not above their own constitutions, and the Electoral Act is not a mere suggestion.
“Where a party’s constitution prescribes a procedure for succession and leadership, that procedure must be obeyed, Where a political party fails to comply with the rules, procedures, and constitutional provisions laid down for its own governance, the court is duty-bound to intervene in order to safeguard democracy, uphold the rule of law, and prevent anarchy as, no man is above the law, and no man is below it.
“This commendation is not merely about one litigant succeeding and another losing. It is about what the judgment represents for Nigerians and for the African Democratic Congress:
“It restores public confidence that a judge can still decide on the law and the facts alone, uninfluenced by political pressure, media commentary, or the weight of personalities involved in the suit.
“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.”
Gombe further argued that the judgment would strengthen confidence in the judiciary and reinforce the principle that political party leadership must emerge through procedures recognised by the party’s constitution and relevant laws.
He maintained that the handling of the case demonstrated the importance of judicial impartiality, particularly when disputes involve influential political figures and attract widespread public attention.
Citing the established judicial principle that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, he said the trial judge’s conduct reflected the standard expected of the judiciary.
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 in this suit embodies that principle.
“I therefore respectfully commend His Lordship for: Upholding the independence of the judiciary and the sanctity of the judicial oath to do right to all manner of people without fear or favour, affection or ill-will; Demonstrating patience, erudition, and firmness in a matter of immense political sensitivity; and delivering a judgment that strengthens the rule of law, party discipline, and constitutional democracy in Nigeria.
“May His Lordship’s example continue to inspire the Bench and the Bar, and may the Federal High Court continue to stand as a bastion of impartial 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.”
The ADC chairman also acknowledged the support he received from members and supporters of his leadership across the country, expressing gratitude for their solidarity, loyalty and prayers during the legal proceedings.
He urged the judiciary to remain steadfast in upholding impartiality, constitutional democracy and the rule of law, stressing that public confidence in the justice system depends on the courts’ ability to dispense justice without fear or favour.
