The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the release of the certified copy of a judgment by Justice Peter Lifu on the final day of the seven-day period prescribed by the Constitution, saying the timing leaves the party with little time to study the decision and prepare its next legal steps.
The party also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Kaduna State Government of obstructing its political activities, following the alleged sealing of Arewa House, the proposed venue for its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s consultation with Northern stakeholders scheduled for Thursday.
In a statement on Wednesday, signed by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, the party said it would study the judgment and pursue every lawful remedy available.
It cited Section 294(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires courts to furnish parties with duly authenticated copies of their decisions within seven days of delivery.
The ADC, however, expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of actions aimed at frustrating its campaign and political consultations.
It said the Kaduna State Government had sealed Arewa House ahead of Atiku’s planned meeting with Northern stakeholders, describing the action as an affront to the heritage and dignity of the people of Northern Nigeria.
Atiku was quoted as saying: “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.”
The party also recalled what it described as an attempt by the APC-led government to frustrate its campaign flag-off in Sokoto, saying the people stood firm and the party’s activities went ahead.
The ADC held President Bola Tinubu and the APC politically responsible for what it called a pattern of obstruction, urging the ruling party to respect democratic competition and the opposition’s right to campaign and consult with Nigerians.
“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,” the statement said.
The party said it would not be intimidated, thanking Nigerians for their support and solidarity.
It added that it would continue its consultations, pursue its legal rights and take its message of a new direction to the electorate.
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