Nkemakolam Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has initiated a legal action against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, concerning the reassignment of a case related to the party's leadership crisis to a different judge.
Parties involved in the suit
The suit also names the National Judicial Council (NJC) as the first respondent and Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court as the third respondent. Filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1165/2026 on Thursday, Ukandu seeks a court order compelling the NJC to investigate what he describes as an abuse of judicial powers and misconduct by Justice Tsoho.
Allegations of procedural violation
The ADC chieftain argues that the transfer of the suit filed by Nafiu Bala, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, was executed in disregard of existing court orders. He claims that the Chief Judge's decision to reassign the matter to Justice Peter Lifu ignored directives previously issued by the Supreme Court and Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court. According to Ukandu, this action undermines judicial procedure and breaches established legal processes governing cases already assigned to a competent court.
Background of the disputed case
The contested suit challenges the legitimacy of the current ADC leadership, which is headed by former Senate President David Mark. In May, Justice Tsoho reassigned the case to Justice Lifu for adjudication, a move that has sparked fresh legal and political tensions within the party.
Impact on ADC leadership crisis
This latest lawsuit adds another dimension to the protracted leadership crisis plaguing the ADC, characterized by internal divisions, multiple court battles, and competing claims to the party's structure and authority.
