- ADC Youth Wing petitioned the NJC against Justice Peter Lifu
- The group demanded his removal from all ADC-related cases
- It also called for disciplinary action over alleged judicial misconduct
The National Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside civil society leaders affiliated with the party, has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), calling for the removal of Justice Peter Odo Lifu from all matters involving the party.
The petition, dated June 18, 2026, was addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NJC and signed by the ADC National Youth Leader, Comrade Balarabe Rufai, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
The group also urged the judicial body to recommend Justice Lifu’s dismissal from the bench, alleging that his conduct had undermined public confidence in the judiciary.
Speaking to journalists outside the ADC National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, Rufai, who was represented by Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala, claimed that security personnel prevented members of the group from submitting the petition directly to the NJC.
According to him, roads leading to the council’s headquarters were blocked by heavily armed security operatives, prompting the group to present the petition to the media instead.
In the petition, the ADC accused Justice Lifu of judicial misconduct over his ruling in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.
The youth wing alleged that the judgment was politically motivated and aimed at limiting democratic participation by reducing the number of political parties.
The petition further claimed that Justice Lifu proceeded with the matter despite an existing Court of Appeal order staying further proceedings, arguing that such action amounted to a violation of established judicial principles.
It also alleged procedural irregularities involving the plaintiffs during the court process and maintained that repeated complaints against the judge had contributed to declining public confidence in the judiciary.
The ADC Youth Wing said Justice Lifu’s continued involvement in matters concerning the party would compromise public trust and deny it a fair hearing.
The group insisted that young Nigerians would continue to speak out against actions they believe threaten democratic rights and political participation.
It vowed to sustain its protest until the National Judicial Council takes disciplinary action, removes Justice Lifu from all cases involving the ADC and considers further sanctions in line with its demands.
