Buba Galadima Slams ADC Members Over Celebration Of Justice Peter Lifu’s Reported Illness

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Buba Galadima, has criticised members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over their reported celebration of the illness of Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered a controversial judgment against the party.

Galadima argued that the ADC members were failing to understand the possible legal consequences of the judge’s reported health condition, particularly its impact on the party’s efforts to challenge the ruling.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview on African Indepe

ndent Television (AIT), where he discussed the ongoing leadership crisis within the opposition party.

The controversy followed reports that Justice Lifu, who presided over the Federal High Court case involving the ADC, had fallen ill and might travel abroad for medical treatment.

According to Galadima, the judge’s possible absence from the country could delay the party’s appeal because the records of proceedings required for the legal process might not be signed by another judge on his behalf.

He therefore questioned why some ADC members were reportedly celebrating the development instead of concentrating on obtaining the necessary court documents to challenge the judgment.

Galadima said the party should recognise the importance of securing the records of proceedings, warning that any delay could affect its ability to pursue an appeal promptly.

He stated, “I just found out that maybe there aren’t intelligent people in the ADC. They didn’t know that if that is true, it is deliberate to deny them appeal, because if the judge goes to London or Europe or anywhere and outside the country, the records of proceedings from his judgment cannot be signed by any judge.

“So no appeal could be had until he’s back. They didn’t know that they are playing on their intelligence, and that’s why Nigerian politicians are lazy. They don’t think.”

The NDC chieftain further maintained that the ADC should treat the situation as a serious legal concern rather than an opportunity for political celebration.

His comments come amid continuing tensions within the ADC following Justice Lifu’s judgment, which nullified the David Mark-led leadership structure and activities conducted under it, including the party’s presidential primary that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate.

The ruling has generated significant political and legal reactions, with the affected faction rejecting the decision and pursuing an appeal to challenge its implications for the party’s leadership and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Galadima’s remarks have added another dimension to the controversy, particularly over the potential effect of the judge’s reported absence on the party’s legal proceedings.