ADC Petitions NJC Over Alleged Judicial Misconduct by Federal High Court Chief Judge and Justice Lifu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), seeking an investigation into the conduct of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu, over their handling of a suit involving the party and its former National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
In the petition dated June 1, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, petitioner Nkemakolam Ukandu alleged abuse of judicial power, disobedience to binding court orders, and manifest bias in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025. He argued that the Supreme Court, in Appeal No. SC/CV/180/2026, had directed that the matter be remitted to Justice Emeka Nwite, who initially presided over the case.
Ukandu contended that Justice Tsoho’s subsequent reassignment of the matter to Justice Lifu contravened the apex court’s directive and violated Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which makes Supreme Court decisions binding on all courts. He further alleged that the reassignment created an appearance of bias, encouraged forum shopping, and undermined judicial integrity.
The petition also accused both judges of breaching the judicial oath and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers. Ukandu urged the NJC to investigate the actions of Justices Tsoho and Lifu, determine whether they abused judicial powers or disobeyed superior court orders, and impose appropriate disciplinary measures if culpability is established. He also requested immediate compliance with the Supreme Court’s remittance order and Justice Nwite’s earlier directive.
