The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has 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 the handling of a suit involving the party and its former National Chairman, 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, disobedience to court orders and manifest bias in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 between Nafiu Bala Gombe and the ADC.
Ukandu claimed that the Supreme Court, in Appeal No. SC/CV/180/2026 involving Senator David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe, had ordered that the matter be remitted to Justice Emeka Nwite, who was initially handling the case.
According to the petition, Justice Tsoho subsequently reassigned the matter to Justice Peter Lifu, contrary to the apex court’s directive.
The petitioner further alleged that Justice Nwite, during proceedings on May 8, 2026, directed the plaintiff to provide a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment and adjourned the matter indefinitely pending compliance.
He argued that the reassignment of the case and its subsequent fixing for hearing before Justice Lifu on June 3 amounted to a violation of both the Supreme Court’s judgment and the earlier order made by Justice Nwite.
Ukandu also accused Justice Tsoho of abusing his administrative powers by reassigning the matter despite the Supreme Court’s decision, which he said was binding on all courts under Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
The petitioner further alleged that the reassignment created an appearance of bias and encouraged forum shopping.
He claimed that concerns about the reassignment had earlier been raised before the court by his counsel, who allegedly objected to the transfer of the case to Justice Lifu or Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
The petition also accused the two 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 court orders, and impose appropriate disciplinary measures if found culpable.
He also asked the council to direct immediate compliance with what he described as the Supreme Court’s remittance order and the order earlier made by Justice Nwite.
