The Grassroots Mobilization Network (GMN), a prominent support group within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has issued a decisive call for the judiciary to uphold its independence and impartiality. This urgent appeal is made in anticipation of a significant pending case that involves the party itself and Nafiu Bala. During a press briefing held on Saturday in Abuja, Peter Emeka, the spokesperson for the GMN, articulated the immense public attention that the court's handling of this particular matter would inevitably attract, and he strongly encouraged all involved parties to demonstrate respect for established legal processes.

Emeka underscored the judiciary's critical and foundational role in the sustained functioning of democratic institutions. He emphasized that the judicial system must consistently operate without succumbing to any form of external influence. “We believe the courts should remain guided strictly by the law and the principles of justice,” Emeka asserted, reinforcing the group's stance on judicial rectitude. Delving into the specific legal complexities of the ongoing suit, Emeka contended that previous judicial decisions, particularly those from the Supreme Court, have already provided definitive resolutions to questions concerning internal party administration. He explicitly stated, “All issues bordering on internal democracy have been severely dealt with by the Supreme Court and I don’t think they should entertain them at the lower court again.”

Addressing the specific judicial body involved, Emeka implored Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court to approach the matter with an unwavering commitment to fairness and independence. He highlighted the profound impact that judicial decisions often have, carrying a wider public interest and influencing public perception. Emeka further drew parallels to Nigeria's historical legal and political landscape, noting that court rulings have, throughout history, been instrumental in shaping public confidence in the nation's democratic institutions. He concluded by affirming that the legal proceedings would be under meticulous observation by various stakeholders, including members of the legal profession and diverse civil society groups, signifying the broad implications of the case.

The underlying context of this call is the ongoing leadership dispute between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nafiu Bala, a disagreement that has previously resulted in legal actions being filed across different courts. The specific matter currently before the FCT High Court is slated to come up for hearing in the near future, placing the judiciary's capacity for independent and impartial arbitration firmly in the public and political spotlight.