A civil society group has petitioned Nigeria’s National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to investigate a Federal High Court judge over a ruling that orders the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties. The petition, dated June 16, 2026 and addressed to Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is directed at Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The petitioner argues that the judge disregarded a subsisting Court of Appeal decision and continued with proceedings despite pending appellate processes. It cites an ongoing appeal (Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026) and an enrolment order from the Court of Appeal that, according to the petition, stays proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025.
The group says the ruling raises constitutional and procedural concerns, including respect for judicial hierarchy and the supervisory jurisdiction of the appellate court, and it warns that conflicting outcomes could undermine public confidence. It urges the NJC to assess whether the judge breached the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, focusing on integrity, due process, fairness, and public confidence.
Separately, the Court of Appeal in Abuja suspends execution of the Federal High Court judgment and orders that the status quo be maintained pending appeal.
