The National Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), demanding the immediate removal of Justice Peter Odo Lifu from all matters related to the party and his outright dismissal from the judiciary.
In a petition dated June 18, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NJC, the youth wing, led by National Youth Leader Comrade Balarabe Rufai (represented by Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala), accused the judge of judicial misconduct and political bias in his ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other opposition parties.
The petition, read to journalists outside the ADC National Secretariat after alleged security barricades prevented direct submission at the NJC headquarters, strongly criticized Justice Lifu’s decision in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026.
The youth wing described the judgment as “a calculated, politically motivated act designed to shrink the democratic space in Nigeria and artificially consolidate a two-party monopoly.”
Key allegations in the petition include:
Justice Lifu proceeded with the ruling despite a binding Court of Appeal order staying proceedings on the matter.
The plaintiffs allegedly altered their legal personality during the case without proper court approval.
The judgment undermines the doctrine of stare decisis and constitutes gross misconduct.
The ADC youths demanded Lifu’s total recusal from ADC-related cases and urged the NJC to recommend his dismissal to restore public confidence in the judiciary.
“We cannot watch the political rights of millions of young Nigerians be auctioned off by compromised benches,” the petition stated.
This development follows widespread condemnation of the Federal High Court ruling. The Court of Appeal has since issued a stay of execution, halting the deregistration of the affected parties, including the ADC.
The ADC youth wing vowed to continue advocating for judicial integrity, positioning the move as a stand by Nigerian youth to protect democratic expression ahead of future elections.
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