Dele Momodu Urges Sanctions for Judges Issuing ‘Rascally Judgments’
Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has warned that the judiciary must be prevented from sabotaging Nigeria’s democratic process.
His remarks follow a ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional electoral performance thresholds.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja later stayed the execution of that judgment, describing it as the utmost form of judicial impertinence.
During an interview, Momodu called for sanctions against judges who deliver what he termed “rascally judgments.” He argued that judicial officers who ignore established legal procedures and defy superior court orders should be held accountable.
He stressed that an independent and credible judiciary is essential for maintaining public confidence in democracy and the rule of law.
Momodu’s Past Advice to Peter Obi
Momodu also revealed that he once advised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to consider forming an alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He said Obi rejected the suggestion, believing he was more popular than Atiku.
According to Momodu, he urged Obi to team up with Atiku, pointing to examples of leaders who rose to the highest office after serving as vice presidents.
“I told Peter, why don’t you go and work with Atiku? Atiku was the person who brought him to national prominence,” Momodu recalled.
He noted that Atiku’s decision to select Obi as his running mate in the 2019 presidential election was not universally welcomed within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that once Atiku makes up his mind, he remains focused.
Momodu cited several cases, including Ghana’s John Mahama, Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan, and even United States President Joe Biden, to illustrate how deputy positions can serve as stepping stones to higher office.
He said, “If Mahama had not been vice president to Professor Atta Mills, he might never have become president of Ghana, just as Jonathan’s vice‑presidential stint paved his way to the presidency.”
Despite these examples, Obi remained unconvinced, telling Momodu that he, as a former state governor, considered himself more popular than Atiku.
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