The Senator David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the late release of the duly authenticated copy of Justice Peter Lifu’s judgment, saying the timing leaves the party with precious little time to study it and prepare its next legal steps.
Justice Lifu finally released the duly authenticated copy of his judgment on the final day of the seven-day period prescribed by the Constitution.
Section 294(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides:
“Every court established under this Constitution shall deliver its decision in writing not later than ninety days after the conclusion of evidence and final addresses and furnish all parties to the cause or matter determined with duly authenticated copies of the decision within seven days of the delivery thereof.”
“The ADC will study the judgment and pursue every lawful remedy available. But the timing of the release raises serious concern, especially as our party continues to face actions that obstruct its campaign and political consultations,” the party said.
The party also alleged that the APC-led government in Kaduna has sealed the historic Arewa House, the proposed venue for its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s consultation with Northern stakeholders on Thursday.
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“Arewa House is part of the shared heritage of the diverse peoples of Northern Nigeria. Sealing it to prevent a political consultation is an affront to their culture and dignity,” it said.
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Atiku said: “My campaign team had proposed the Arewa House as the venue for our consultation with stakeholders on Thursday and, today, the APC government decided to seal the building.”
“This is a troubling pattern. During our campaign flag-off in Sokoto, the APC government also tried to frustrate us. The people stood firm, and their will prevailed. Now, as Atiku prepares to consult stakeholders at Arewa House, the venue has been sealed,” the statement added.
The ADC said it holds President Bola Tinubu and the APC politically responsible for the pattern of obstruction.
“We hold President Bola Tinubu and the APC politically responsible for this pattern of obstruction. An outgoing president and a ruling party should respect democratic competition, not use public authority to impede the opposition, restrict political consultation or weaken Nigerians’ right to choose,” it said.
“We will not be intimidated. We thank Nigerians across the country for their massive support, solidarity and encouragement. Your resolve strengthens ours. The ADC will continue its consultations, pursue its legal rights and take its message of a new direction to the people,” it added.
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