The African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis intensifies as a party chieftain renews calls for Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to recuse himself from the ongoing case. The request comes from the party's National Welfare Secretary, Nkemakolam Ukandu, through a Motion on Notice filed on June 5.
Motion for Recusal
Ukandu is seeking an order directing Justice Lifu to withdraw from hearing suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, which involves Nafiu Bala Gombe versus the ADC and four other defendants. The motion requests the judge's recusal pending the determination of a petition before the National Judicial Council (NJC) against Justice Lifu and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, as well as the resolution of suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1165/2026.
Alternatively, Ukandu asks the court to transfer the case file back to the Chief Judge for reassignment or to stay further proceedings until the petition and related suit are determined. This application follows a similar request by ADC National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who urged Justice Lifu to step aside due to lack of confidence in his impartiality.
Allegations of Bias
Aregbesola, through his counsel Mohammed Sheriff, argued that the Constitution guarantees a fair hearing before an independent tribunal. He accused Justice Lifu of demonstrating bias in a separate matter involving the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where the ADC is a defendant.
Ukandu's motion also alleges abuse of judicial powers, disobedience to court orders, and bias by Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu. He contends that the interest of justice and public confidence in the judiciary require the judge's recusal or a stay of proceedings.
Background of the Dispute
The leadership dispute originated from a suit filed by ADC National Deputy Chairman Nafiu Bala Gombe, seeking to restrain the David Mark-led leadership from parading as party officers. Gombe also sought to prevent INEC from recognizing the Mark-led faction.
Initially, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered Gombe to put defendants on notice. Instead of responding, the defendants appealed to the Court of Appeal, challenging jurisdiction. The appellate court dismissed the appeal, ordered accelerated hearing, and directed parties to maintain status quo ante bellum.
The David Mark faction appealed to the Supreme Court, which vacated the status quo order but returned the matter for accelerated hearing. The case was stalled on May 8 due to a transfer request from the plaintiff. After Justice Nwite's elevation to the Court of Appeal, the case was reassigned to Justice Lifu.
Petition and Fresh Suit
The reassignment triggered a petition against Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu before the NJC, as well as a suit by Ukandu. He alleged that Justice Lifu's relationship with Minister Nyesom Wike and the ruling APC could bias the case, aiming to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Justice Lifu has fixed Monday, June 8, for hearing, including Ukandu's application to be joined as a party. The court ordered accelerated hearing in the substantive suit.
