CJN Kekere-Ekun, NJC Petitioned Over Judge’s Controversial Ruling Deregistering ADC, Other Opposition Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections

CJN Kekere-Ekun, NJC Petitioned Over Judge’s Controversial Ruling Deregistering ADC, Other Opposition Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections

June 16, 2026

A civil society organisation, 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 urgent investigation into alleged judicial misconduct involving Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

The petition, dated June 16, 2026, centres on a controversial judgment delivered by Justice Lifu, which reportedly ordered the deregistration of several opposition political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The development has sparked fresh concerns about judicial independence, adherence to due process and the potential impact on Nigeria's democratic system as the country gradually approaches the 2026 off-cycle governorship elections and the crucial 2027 general elections.

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," the organisation stated in the petition.

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.

It warned that any judicial action capable of removing recognised political parties from the electoral space could affect millions of Nigerians who rely on those platforms to express their political choices.

"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.

Observers say the controversy comes at a sensitive period when political alignments and opposition coalitions are already beginning to take shape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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.

The petition was signed by Mbasekei Martin Obono, Esq., Executive Director of Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development.

As of the time of filing this report, Justice Peter Lifu, the Federal High Court and the National Judicial Council had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.

The unfolding controversy is expected to trigger nationwide debate over judicial accountability, the separation of powers and the role of the courts in safeguarding Nigeria's democracy ahead of the next electoral cycle.