PDP Petitions FHC Chief Judge Over Repeated Assignment of Cases to Three Abuja Judges
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, expressing concern over the repeated assignment of its matters to only three judges of the Abuja Division — Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu, and Mohammed Abdulmalik.
The petition, dated 19 November and signed by the party’s National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, alleged that virtually all cases either filed by or against the PDP in the Abuja Division have consistently been allocated to the same three judges, despite the division having twelve judges in total.
The party argued that this pattern has raised apprehension among members and stakeholders, creating the perception of bias and undermining confidence in judicial impartiality.
The petition cited recent rulings of Justice Omotosho restrained the PDP from proceeding with its national elective convention, citing non‑compliance with the party’s constitution, in a suit filed by Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanah, and Turnah George (Imo and Abia State Chairmen and South‑South Zonal Secretary).
Similarly, Justice Lifu ordered the party to halt its convention to enable former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to obtain a nomination form for National Chairman, agreeing with Lamido’s claim of exclusion.
Despite these rulings, the PDP proceeded with its convention, relying on a contrary order issued by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court.
The petition noted that conflicting judicial decisions have deepened factional divisions within the PDP, with blocs loyal to the PDP Governors’ Forum and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, both asserting claims to authentic leadership.
The PDP stressed that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. It requested that no future cases involving the party be assigned to the three judges in question, citing the need to preserve trust and integrity in judicial proceedings.
The petition concluded by reaffirming the party’s respect for the judiciary and its confidence in the Federal High Court under Justice Tsoho, while underscoring the importance of both actual and perceived fairness in adjudication.
