ADC Youths Demand Recusal of Justice Peter Lifu
The National Youth Wing of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), together with civil society leaders within the party, has submitted a formal petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) calling for the recusal of Justice Peter Odo Lifu from any matter involving the ADC.
Speaking to journalists at the ADC National Secretariat, Comrade Rufai — represented by Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala — said that security agents had blocked all routes to the NJC on Thursday, forcing the group to present their petition to the public.
Core Allegations in the Petition
The petition states:
“We demand the immediate, total removal of Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu from any and all adjudicatory matters, reviews, or decision‑making roles concerning the ADC. Furthermore, given his pattern of flagrant judicial rascality, we explicitly demand that the National Judicial Council recommend his absolute dismissal from the Nigerian judiciary to preserve the fading credibility of the bench.”
The youth wing points to suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, in which Justice Lifu ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties. They describe the ruling as a calculated, politically motivated act aimed at shrinking democratic space and entrenching a two‑party monopoly.
Violation of Judicial Procedure
The petition further alleges that Justice Lifu proceeded with the controversial judgment despite a binding Court of Appeal order staying the proceedings — a clear breach of the doctrine of stare decisis. It also claims that the plaintiffs, the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, altered their legal status mid‑case without a valid court order, while the bench looked away.
Call for Systemic Action
The ADC youth leaders warn that allowing Justice Lifu to continue handling ADC matters erodes public trust and turns the courtroom into a arena of political compromise. They pledge to continue their protest until the NJC:
- Acts to protect institutional integrity;
- Enforces disciplinary measures;
- Completely recuses Justice Lifu from ADC‑related affairs;
- Initiates proceedings for his immediate removal from the bench.
“We cannot watch the political rights of millions of young Nigerians be auctioned off by compromised benches,” the statement concludes. “As the protectors of our nation’s future, we declare that when the bench compromises its integrity, the youth will become the courtroom of public conscience. The ballot box belongs to us, and we will not allow any court to rob us of our political expression.”
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