Court of Appeal slams judge for 'judicial rascality' in party deregistration order

The Court of Appeal has suspended a controversial order by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja to deregister five political parties, describing his actions as "judicial rascality" and "the highest form of judicial impertinence."

“

judicial rascality

The appellate court's swift intervention saved the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) from deregistration and prevented significant embarrassment for the Nigerian judiciary. The court found that Justice Lifu had brazenly disregarded its earlier order and the pendency of the matter before it by proceeding to hear and issue the deregistration judgment.

The panel of justices emphasized that Justice Lifu's conduct amounted to an affront to the hierarchy of courts. They cited previous Supreme Court holdings that a judge acting in such a manner is "unfit for the bench." The judgment stemmed from a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which questioned the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) constitutional duty to deregister parties failing to meet electoral performance thresholds.

“

the highest form of judicial impertinence

Justice Lifu had ruled that the five parties failed to meet constitutional requirements for continued existence. However, the respondents challenged the suit's jurisdiction, arguing the plaintiff lacked the necessary locus standi. The appellate court's decision highlights concerns about the conduct of some high court judges and the potential impact on Nigeria's democracy.

“

is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.