The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has protested what it described as alleged judicial bias and prosecutorial misconduct against the party by Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, calling for his immediate removal from matters involving the party.
Members and supporters of the ADC staged a protest at the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing Justice Lifu of unfair treatment and bias in cases relating to the party’s deregistration and internal leadership dispute.
The protesters alleged that some of the judge’s rulings have raised serious concerns about fairness, impartiality, and judicial independence. According to them, the court’s handling of the matters has undermined confidence in the legal process.
They further accused Justice Lifu of continuing proceedings despite a subsisting order from the Court of Appeal staying action on the case, describing the move as judicial misconduct and a disregard for due process.
Speaking during the protest, Rufai Balarabe, National Youth Leader of the ADC, said the party had endured persistent persecution and unfair treatment.
Balarabe called on judicial authorities to immediately remove Justice Lifu from all cases involving the ADC, stressing that the judiciary must remain neutral and insulated from political influence.
Also speaking, Shehu Ali, Personal Assistant to the ADC National Chairman, urged relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and take steps to restore public confidence in the judiciary.
He emphasised that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, noting that public trust in the courts is vital for democratic stability.
The protesters urged judicial authorities to act swiftly on their demands, insisting that protecting the independence, neutrality, and credibility of the judiciary remains essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
Ubong Usoro, Nigeria Magazine
