The Grassroots Mobilization Network, GMN, a support group of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), has alleged that some leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) including the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, are opposed to Justice Peter Lifu’s recusal from the ADC leadership suit.
The group made the claim at the weekend in Abuja, shortly after a meeting.
Speaking to journalists, GMN spokesperson, Comrade Peter Emeka, accused APC leaders of putting pressure on the judge to remain on the case despite the ADC’s request for recusal.
He warned Justice Lifu to “stay off the case and not go throw the country into a needless crisis.”
“Justice Emeka Nwite was handling the case before it was reassigned to Justice Lifu, which many believe is on a mission to derail democracy,” Emeka said.
He further alleged that APC leaders “brag that nothing would happen if the judge refused to withdraw from the case and rule in favour of Nafi’u.”
He also said the FCT High Court judges have disregarded the Supreme Court judgment directing it to expedite action on the matter. Instead, “they took away the case from Justice Nwite,” he added.
He accused the judiciary of meddling in the internal affairs of opposition parties.
“The issue of internal democracy has been settled by the Supreme Court, but the APC and the Federal Government are bent on pursuing this case in order to pave the way for a one party system,” he said.
“Justice Lifu is the late Justice Dahiru Saleh of the infamous June 12 the judge whose ruling led to the annulment of June 12,” Emeka declared.
“The judiciary must not be used to settle political scores. We urge Justice Lifu to recuse himself and allow justice to run its course,” he added.
The ADC leadership tussle has been before the Federal High Court for months.