The All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded an official apology from prominent legal practitioner and opposition figure, Barrister Dele Ajayi, over what it described as a “reckless and defamatory” claim regarding a purported leak of a judicial judgment in an ongoing electoral tribunal case.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party condemned Ajayi’s recent comments in which he alleged that the outcome of the tribunal case involving the Ondo State governorship election had been “pre-determined and leaked” to key APC officials before the official ruling.
Ajayi, a senior advocate known for his sharp criticisms of the ruling party, made the remarks during a live television interview on Sunday. He insinuated that “certain people within the APC already know the contents of the judgment,” and called on the judiciary to “cleanse itself of partisan influence.”
The APC has rejected the accusation outright, calling it an “unfounded attempt to undermine the integrity of the judiciary and cast a shadow on a fair and lawful process.”
> “Mr. Ajayi’s claim is not only a grave insult to the judiciary but also a desperate ploy to incite public mistrust and delegitimize a verdict that has not even been delivered,” the APC statement read. “We call on him to immediately retract his statement and offer a public apology to the judges involved, the legal profession, and the APC.”
The party further warned that if Ajayi fails to apologize, legal action may be considered.
Legal analysts have expressed concern over Ajayi’s comments, with some describing them as potentially contemptuous. Professor Ladi Ogunleye of the University of Lagos noted that while freedom of expression must be protected, “there is a thin line between critique and outright defamation or contempt of court.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said it is reviewing the matter and may issue a formal position.
Ajayi has not responded to the APC’s demand for an apology as of press time. However, sources close to him suggest he may stand by his remarks, claiming they are based on credible insider information.
As tension continues to mount over the highly contested tribunal case, political observers are warning both sides to tread carefully, noting that the judiciary’s credibility is crucial to maintaining democratic stability.
