By Ayodele Oni
A Judge of the Federal High Court, (FHC), Justice Peter Lifu is being dragged over his controversial judgement, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties.
Justice Lifu, in a judgement, ordered the deregistration of opposition political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The Court of Appeal had on Tuesday reversed the lower Court order and held that the lower court’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.
“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made.
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed.
A Civil Society Organisation, (CSO) Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development, has formally petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the National Judicial Council (NJC), demanding an investigation into alleged judicial misconduct involving Justice Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.
The petition, dated June 16, 2026, was signed by Mbasekei Martin Obono, Esq., Executive Director of Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development.
According to the petition, Tap Initiative alleged that Justice Lifu proceeded to deliver the judgment despite an ongoing appeal before the Court of Appeal concerning the same matter.
The organisation disclosed that Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 was already pending before the appellate court and that an Enrolment Order had been issued granting a stay of proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025 — the same case in which Justice Lifu subsequently delivered his judgment.
The group described the action as a serious constitutional and procedural concern, arguing that any judicial decision taken in defiance of an existing appellate court order could undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.
“The situation raises profound constitutional and procedural concerns, as it appears that a valid order of stay and active appellate proceedings were in force at the material time.”
Tap Initiative warned that if it is established that the Federal High Court acted despite a subsisting order from the Court of Appeal, it would represent a dangerous precedent capable of eroding public trust in the judiciary.
The organisation stressed that respect for judicial hierarchy remains one of the fundamental pillars of the justice system and that every court must operate within constitutional boundaries.
According to the petition, the credibility of Nigeria’s judiciary depends on strict adherence to due process, judicial discipline, and unwavering respect for appellate court decisions.
The group further argued that Justice Lifu’s actions may conflict with provisions contained in the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of Nigeria, which mandates judges to uphold the highest ethical standards, fairness, diligence and conduct that preserves public confidence in the administration of justice.
Beyond the legal implications, Tap Initiative expressed concern that the ruling could significantly alter Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of major elections.
The organisation noted that political parties are constitutional vehicles through which citizens exercise their rights to political participation, association and representation.
“Any judicial action that significantly alters their participation in the electoral process inevitably affects not only the parties themselves but also the democratic rights of citizens who rely on them for political expression,” the petition stated.
Tap Initiative urged the National Judicial Council to urgently investigate whether Justice Lifu knowingly delivered the judgment despite pending appellate proceedings and whether his actions violated established rules governing judicial conduct.
The organisation also called on the council to determine whether disciplinary measures are necessary and to reaffirm the supremacy and authority of appellate courts within Nigeria’s judicial system.
The group commended Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for her reported emphasis on judicial accountability, transparency and ethical standards, describing the matter as an opportunity to reinforce public confidence in the judiciary.
“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common citizen. Its legitimacy is sustained not only by constitutional authority but by unwavering public confidence in its fairness, discipline, and respect for the rule of law,” the petition added.
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