TAP INITIATIVE PETITIONS NJC OVER JUDGE’S RULING ON POLITICAL PARTIES
Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the recent judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
In a petition addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJC, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the civil society organisation requested an investigation into the conduct of Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the judgment.
The organisation contended that the judgment was delivered despite the existence of pending appellate proceedings before the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 and a subsisting order staying proceedings in the matter before the Federal High Court.
According to the petition, the Court of Appeal had issued an Enrolment Order granting a stay of proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, the suit in respect of which the judgment was subsequently delivered.
Tap Initiative argued that if the facts presented in the petition are established, the development could raise significant constitutional and procedural questions relating to judicial hierarchy and compliance with appellate court directives.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Mbasekei Martin Obono, Esq., stated that respect for appellate authority remains fundamental to the administration of justice and the preservation of public confidence in the judiciary.
“The integrity of the judicial system is anchored on adherence to due process, procedural discipline, and respect for the hierarchy of courts. Any perceived departure from these principles deserves careful examination by the appropriate authorities,” he said.
The organisation also urged the NJC to determine whether the judgment was delivered while appellate proceedings remained pending and whether there were any breaches of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.
Tap Initiative further expressed concern over the broader implications of the judgment on Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that political parties serve as constitutionally recognised vehicles for political participation and representation.
According to the organisation, judicial decisions affecting the status of political parties may have consequences for political competition and voter choice, particularly with off-cycle governorship elections scheduled for 2026 and the 2027 general elections on the horizon.
The petition called on the NJC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the judgment, examine any potential ethical or procedural issues arising therefrom, and take appropriate action where necessary.
Obono said the petition was intended to strengthen public confidence in judicial institutions and reinforce the principles of accountability and due process within the justice system.
He added that judicial independence and judicial accountability are complementary principles essential to sustaining the credibility of democratic institutions.
As of press time, neither the Federal High Court nor the National Judicial Council had publicly responded to the issues raised in the petition.
