ADC Youth Wing Petitions NJC, Seeks Justice Lifu’s Recusal From Party-Related Cases

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The National Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside leaders of civil society organisations affiliated with the party, has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), seeking the removal of Justice Peter Odo Lifu from all matters relating to the party.

The petition, dated June 18, 2026, was addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NJC and signed by the ADC National Youth Leader, Comrade Balarabe Rufai.

Addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, Rufai, who was represented by Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala, alleged that security operatives prevented members of the group from accessing the NJC premises to submit the petition.

He claimed that roads leading to the council’s office were barricaded, prompting the group to make the petition public.

The petition accused Justice Lifu of bias and misconduct in relation to a recent ruling in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, which reportedly directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.

According to the petitioners, the judge proceeded with the matter despite a Court of Appeal order allegedly staying proceedings in the case.

The group further alleged procedural irregularities during the hearing and argued that the continued involvement of Justice Lifu in matters concerning the ADC could undermine public confidence in the judicial process.

The ADC youth wing called on the NJC to remove the judge from all cases involving the party and initiate disciplinary measures against him.

The petitioners said they would continue to press for action from the council, insisting that safeguarding judicial integrity is essential to protecting democratic processes and political participation.

Efforts to obtain a response from Justice Lifu or the National Judicial Council were not immediately successful as of the time of filing this report.