ABUJA — Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has called for sanctions against judicial officers who deliver what he described as “rascally judgments,” warning that the judiciary must not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Momodu argued that judges who disregard established legal procedures and ignore binding decisions of superior courts should be held accountable for their actions.
According to him, the credibility of the judiciary remains fundamental to sustaining public confidence in democracy and the rule of law.
“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man. Once judges begin to deliver judgments that are inconsistent with the law or ignore decisions of superior courts, the integrity of the justice system is put at risk. There must be consequences for such conduct,” he said.
Momodu’s remarks come amid controversy surrounding a ruling delivered on Monday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties over their alleged failure to satisfy constitutional electoral performance requirements.
The judgment triggered widespread criticism from opposition figures and legal observers, who questioned both its legal basis and its potential implications for Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.
However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja subsequently suspended the execution of Justice Lifu’s judgment, describing the lower court’s decision as “the highest form of judicial impertinence.”
The appellate court’s intervention has been welcomed by many opposition stakeholders, who argue that the ruling reinforces judicial discipline and safeguards constitutional democracy.
Momodu maintained that judicial accountability is essential to preserving public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, insisting that no judge should be above scrutiny when delivering decisions that conflict with established legal principles.
He urged relevant judicial oversight bodies to take firm action against erring judicial officers to protect the sanctity of the courts and strengthen the rule of law.