The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate apprehension of Justice Peter Lifu, the judge who delivered the controversial verdict that led to the deregistration of the ADC and four other political entities. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, made this demand during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program.
Justice Lifu, presiding over the Federal High Court in Abuja, issued an order on Monday compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the ADC, Accord Party, and others from the ballot for the 2027 general elections. This ruling has sparked outrage within the affected parties.
Abdullahi argued that the judge’s actions constitute contempt of court, as the Court of Appeal had previously instructed that no further steps should be taken until a scheduled hearing on October 27. He described the ruling as baseless and without legal foundation. “Justice Lifu should be arrested. The Appeal Court said he should not act until the case is heard on October 27. The judge is acting in contempt of court, which is a criminal act. What basis did they deliver the judgment?” Abdullahi stated.
He further asserted that the ADC is confident the decision will not hold, emphasizing that the party believes the ruling has no leg to stand on.