The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally raised an alarm over what it describes as a concerning pattern in the assignment of its court cases to three specific judges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Formal Petition to the Chief Judge
In a significant move, the party submitted a formal petition to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, on November 19, 2025. The document, signed by the party's National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, expresses deep apprehension about the judicial process.
The PDP highlighted that cases either filed by the party or brought against it have been routinely assigned to just three judges: Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu, and Mohammed Abdulmalik. This pattern persists despite the Abuja Judicial Division having twelve judges, nine of whom are available to hear such matters.
Recent Court Rulings and Internal Conflict
The petition cited specific recent rulings that have contributed to the party's concerns. Justice Omotosho had restrained the PDP from proceeding with its national elective convention following a suit by party officials Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanah, and Turnah George from Imo and Abia states.
Similarly, Justice Lifu directed the party to halt the convention until former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido obtained a nomination form to contest for National Chairman, agreeing with Lamido's claim of exclusion.
Despite these rulings, the PDP proceeded with its convention, relying on a separate order from Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court. These conflicting court decisions have fueled ongoing factional disputes within the party between blocs aligned with the PDP Governors Forum and those loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Call for Judicial Transparency
The petition stated: "It is of great concern to our party that it would appear that all matters for the past few years filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, either for or against our party, have always been assigned to the following three judges only."
The party emphasized that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done by reasonable members of society. The PDP stressed it has no doubt about the judiciary's integrity but requested that future cases involving the party not be assigned to these three judges to preserve public trust.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court has yet to respond to the petition as the PDP seeks to maintain confidence in judicial processes during its current internal challenges.
