Group Petitions NJC Over Judge's Alleged Disregard of Appeal Court Order
A civil society group, Tap Initiative for Citizens' Development, has called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court over a judgment that allegedly disregarded a subsisting order of the Court of Appeal. The group warned that such actions could undermine the judiciary and democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Justice Lifu had on Monday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), for alleged breach of Section 225(A) of the Constitution. However, the group claims that the judgment was delivered despite a stay of proceedings order issued on May 22 by the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mbasekei Martin Obono, Tap Initiative submitted a formal petition to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who also chairs the NJC. The group is requesting the NJC to determine whether the judgment was delivered in disregard of pending appellate proceedings, examine possible breaches of the judicial code of conduct, take appropriate disciplinary action if misconduct is established, and reaffirm the authority of appellate courts.
The group recalled that the CJN has consistently emphasized accountability and ethical conduct within the judiciary. It argued that the petition presents an opportunity to reinforce these principles and demonstrate that judicial independence does not preclude accountability.
Tap Initiative expressed grave concern that at the time of the judgment, there were subsisting appellate proceedings and an enrolled order granting a stay of proceedings in the same matter. The group stated that proceeding to deliver judgment under these circumstances constitutes a serious affront to the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal.
Emphasizing that the integrity of Nigeria's justice system depends on strict adherence to judicial hierarchy and respect for appellate authority, the group warned that deviations risk creating conflicting outcomes, eroding legal certainty, and undermining public confidence in the courts. It called on the NJC to treat the matter with urgency in the interest of justice, democracy, and national stability.
