By Divine Sam.
Arise Television presenter, Rufai Oseni, has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the series of court victories secured by Nafiu Bala Gombe amid the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Oseni questioned the forces behind Bala’s legal successes, particularly how the party’s Deputy National Chairman has continued to obtain favourable court decisions, including an order for the reassignment of a presiding judge.
The broadcaster expressed his concerns on Friday during Arise Television’s Morning Show, while discussing the Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s 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 led to the emergence of former Senate President David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and other national officers of the party.
The court also invalidated the nominations of all ADC candidates for the 2027 elections, ruling that they were produced through an unlawful leadership structure.
Reacting to the development, Oseni said there was a need for Nigerians to understand the circumstances surrounding Bala’s court victories. He also called for the certified true copy of the judgment to be obtained and carefully 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 further questioned the timing and implications of a court decision that could remove a major presidential contender from the 2027 electoral race just 73 days before the election.
Although he acknowledged that the ADC had the constitutional right to challenge the ruling at a higher court, he maintained that public confidence and the perception of fairness were important considerations in the administration of justice.
“But the public opinion and public perception of things is so fundamental in delivering of justice,” he added.
The Arise TV anchor also expressed concern over the possible consequences of the judgment for Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly if Atiku’s disqualification from the race is upheld.
“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.
The judgment has further deepened the uncertainty surrounding the ADC’s leadership and its preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the party’s next legal steps expected to shape its political future.
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