Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction the judge who set aside the court judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
Galadima spoke during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday.
‘Judgment came as a shock’
Galadima said the ruling caught the party by surprise.
He alleged that the timing of the judgment was intended to frustrate the NDC’s submission of candidates to INEC.
“It came to us as a rude shock,” he said.
“I thought the judge was very strategic and deliberate in pronouncing that judgment on Friday so that by Monday we would have been barred from accessing the INEC portal to upload our candidates.”
‘NJC should act’
Furthermore, Galadima said the National Judicial Council must investigate judges whose actions undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
He argued that erring judicial officers should face appropriate sanctions.
“I think the NJC needs to do a lot of soul-searching,” he said.
“Some bad eggs within the judiciary will tarnish the image of the judiciary.”
“Certain actions of certain judges must not go unpunished.”
Says appeal will overturn ruling
Meanwhile, the NDC chieftain expressed confidence that the party would succeed at the appellate court.
He argued that the Lokoja judgment would not survive judicial review.
“We presume that we will prevail at the end of the day,” he said.
“I don’t think this judgment can stand any test of time or judicial review by an upper court.”
Warns against weakening institutions
Galadima also warned that undermining democratic institutions could have serious consequences for the country.
He accused some public institutions of contributing to growing public distrust.
“Any country where there is no justice is in trouble,” he said.
“We must remain here and protect this country.”
