ADC Deregistration: Labour Party Accuses Justice Peter Lifu of Judicial Bias, Calls for Supreme Court Intervention

The leadership of the Labour Party has strongly criticized recent judicial decisions involving Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, describing them as a “miscarriage of justice” and warning that they pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, argued that the Labour Party has been one of the biggest victims of Justice Lifu’s rulings. According to him, recent developments surrounding the reported deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties have brought renewed attention to concerns the Labour Party had previously raised about the judge’s decisions.

Labour Party Recalls Internal Leadership Dispute

Ifoh revisited the party’s leadership dispute, explaining that litigation over the Labour Party’s March 27, 2024 national convention initially came before Justice J.K. Omotosho in a suit filed by Senator Nenadi Usman against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the party, the matter was later discontinued before a fresh suit involving the same parties and subject matter was reassigned to Justice Peter Lifu. The Labour Party alleged that the reassignment raised concerns within its leadership.

The party further claimed that during the proceedings, Justice Lifu declined its request for an adjournment after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) filed an application seeking to be joined in the case. Labour Party officials argued that they were denied adequate time to respond to new legal issues raised by the NLC before the matter proceeded to hearing.

Allegations of Fair Hearing Violations

The Labour Party contended that the court’s refusal to grant an adjournment violated its right to fair hearing. Ifoh alleged that the judge appeared determined to conclude the matter without allowing the party to fully present its case.

He also claimed that the eventual judgment favoured Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Senator Nenadi Usman, while alleging that public comments made before the judgment suggested confidence about the outcome of the case.

The party further argued that Justice Lifu misinterpreted previous decisions of the Supreme Court and departed from established legal principles governing internal party affairs.

Reaction to Reported Deregistration of Political Parties

Reacting to Justice Lifu’s reported ruling directing INEC to deregister five political parties, the Labour Party said the development further validated its long-standing concerns about the judge’s conduct.

While expressing disappointment that the Court of Appeal affirmed the earlier judgment affecting the party, Ifoh said the Labour Party remains hopeful that the Supreme Court will overturn the decisions and provide what it considers a proper interpretation of the law.

Call for Judicial Reforms

The Labour Party called on the Supreme Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and preserve public confidence in the judiciary.

Ifoh urged the apex court to emulate the legacy of renowned former justices, including Chukwudifu Oputa, Kayode Esho, Patricia Kure, and Karibi-Whyte, whom he described as defenders of judicial independence and the rule of law.

According to the party, the judiciary has a constitutional responsibility to protect democratic institutions and ensure that justice is administered fairly, warning that continued erosion of public confidence in the courts could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic system.