Group Petitions NJC Over Justice Lifu’s Ruling on Deregistration of ADC, Others

Group Petitions NJC Over Justice Lifu’s Ruling on Deregistration of ADC, Others

A civil society organisation, Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the National Judicial Council (NJC) over alleged misconduct by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

The group, in a petition dated June 16, 2026, called for an investigation into Justice Lifu’s recent judgment ordering the deregistration of some political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Tap Initiative alleged that the judgment was delivered despite ongoing proceedings at the Court of Appeal involving the same matter.

The organisation said an appeal, marked CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026, was already before the appellate court, which had reportedly issued an Enrolment Order granting a stay of proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025.

According to the group, Justice Lifu’s decision to proceed with the matter despite the alleged stay order raised concerns about judicial hierarchy and respect for appellate authority.

Tap Initiative stated that any confirmation that the Federal High Court acted against a subsisting appellate order could weaken public confidence in the judiciary.

The organisation argued that the judiciary’s credibility depends on strict compliance with due process, judicial discipline, and respect for established legal procedures.

It also alleged that the action may conflict with provisions of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of Nigeria, which require judges to uphold fairness, integrity, diligence, and public trust.

Beyond the legal issues, the group warned that the judgment could affect Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2026 off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.

Tap Initiative said political parties provide platforms for citizens to participate in governance and that decisions affecting their existence could impact voters’ rights to political representation.

The organisation urged the NJC to determine whether Justice Lifu’s ruling breached judicial conduct standards and whether disciplinary measures were necessary.

It also called on the council to reinforce the authority of appellate courts and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.

The group commended Justice Kekere-Ekun’s reported commitment to accountability within the judiciary, saying the matter provides an opportunity to strengthen confidence in the courts.

“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common citizen. Its legitimacy is sustained by public confidence in its fairness, discipline, and respect for the rule of law,” Tap Initiative said.

The petition was signed by Mbasekei Martin Obono, Esq., Executive Director of Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development. Justice Lifu, the Federal High Court, and the NJC had not issued any public response to the petition at the time of filing the report.