Leadership suit: ADC petitions NJC, asks judge to recuse self 

Leadership suit: ADC petitions NJC, asks judge to recuse self 

As the Federal High Court in Abuja sits today to decide the fate of the National Chairman and Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, respectively, in the case filed against them by Nafiu Gombe, a factional chairman of the party, the defendants have asked the judge to recuse himself.

Similarly, the ADC has sent a petition to the National Judicial Council, asking it to probe the conduct of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and the judge reassigned the case, Justice Peter Lifu.

The case, filed by Gombe, the aggrieved former National Deputy Chairman of ADC, was earlier before Justice Emeka Nwite, who was elevated to the appeal court.

Gombe had sued ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ralph Nwosu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025.

Nwosu was the former ADC National Chairman who stepped down for David Mark’s leadership of the party.

An application filed by Aregbesola, through his lawyer, Mohammed Sheriff, cited a lack of confidence in Justice Lifu, in his seven-ground argument.

He submitted that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every litigant a hearing before an independent and impartial panel.

“The applicant has no confidence in this court to administer justice in these proceedings. It is in the interest of Justice that the matter be heard by another judge.

“The applicant believes that a fair-minded observer would reasonably apprehend a lack of confidence in proceedings before this honourable court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ADC petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) is seeking for detailed investigation into the conduct of the Chief Judge and Justice Lifu over the handling of the suit involving the party and Nafiu Bala Gombe.

In a petition dated June 1, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the petitioner, Nkemakolam Ukandu, alleged abuse of judicial power, disregard for Supreme Court orders, and bias in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025.

Ukandu said the Supreme Court, in Appeal No. SC/CV/180/2026 involving Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe had directed that the matter be remitted to Justice Emeka Nwite, who initially handled the case.

He alleged that despite this directive, Justice Tsoho reassigned the case to Justice Peter Lifu, contrary to the apex court’s order.

According to the petition, Justice Nwite had on May 8, 2026, ordered the plaintiff to produce a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment and adjourned the matter indefinitely pending compliance.

Ukandu argued that the subsequent reassignment and listing of the case before Justice Lifu for hearing on June 3 amounted to disobedience of both the Supreme Court judgment and the order of Justice Nwite.

He therefore urged the NJC to investigate the conduct of both judges, determine whether there was abuse of judicial authority and disobedience of court orders, and apply appropriate disciplinary measures, including possible recommendation for removal.

He also called for immediate compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive.