The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the timing
of the release of the certified true copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by
Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, over the party’s leadership
dispute, saying it was made available on the final day of the constitutionally
prescribed period.
The party said the delay leaves it with limited time to
study the judgment and take necessary legal steps to challenge the decision.
In a statement on Wednesday, Phrank Shaibu, director of
strategic communication of the ADC presidential campaign council, said the
authenticated copy was released on the final day of the seven-day period
prescribed by the constitution.
The party cited section 294(1) of the 1999 Constitution,
which provides for the delivery of copies of judgments to parties within seven
days of their delivery.
The ADC said it would study the verdict and pursue all
available legal remedies.
The development follows the party’s repeated demands for the
release of the judgment copy, which Lifu delivered on November 5, nullifying
the David Mark-led caretaker committee and its decisions, including the process
that produced Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027
elections.
In an earlier statement, Shaibu said the party’s lawyers had
applied for the certified copy and paid the required fees but were yet to
receive one.
He said the applications submitted by the lawyers of the
affected parties bore the court’s “PAID” stamp, adding that Lifu had declared
in open court that copies of the judgment were ready.
The ADC had also questioned Lifu’s handling of the case,
saying it formally objected to his involvement in the matter on grounds of
impartiality.
On Tuesday, the party asked the National Judicial Council
(NJC) to investigate Lifu and John Tsoho, chief judge of the federal high
court, over the reassignment of the case from Emeka Nwite to Lifu.
Shaibu said Tsoho reassigned the case to Lifu a day after
receiving a formal protest from Rauf Aregbesola, the ADC national secretary.
According to the party, Nwite had already commenced hearing
of the case and had not recused himself before the reassignment.
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