Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has called for sanctions against judges who deliver what he described as “rascally judgments,” warning that the judiciary must not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.

Momodu, who spoke on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, argued that judicial officers who disregard established legal procedures and superior court orders should be held accountable.

He said the integrity of the judiciary is crucial to sustaining public confidence in democracy and the rule of law.

His comments come against the backdrop of a ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other parties over alleged failure to meet constitutional electoral performance requirements, a decision that sparked widespread criticism from opposition figures and legal observers.

But the Court of Appeal in Abuja suspended the execution of the judgment delivered by Justice Lifu, which it described as the highest form of judicial impertinence. (Channels)