Deregistration crisis: ADC youths demand Justice Lifu’s removal

Hundreds of youths affiliated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a protest in Abuja on Tuesday, calling for the removal of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court. The demonstrators denounced his "highly controversial ruling" that mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.

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Justice Lifu must go.

Led by the ADC's National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, the protesters marched from the party's secretariat to the Federal High Court, chanting slogans and carrying placards with messages such as "Judiciary is not for sale," "Save our democracy now," and "No to one-party state." They vowed to continue their protest until Justice Lifu is removed, insisting on the ADC's right to participate in the 2027 general elections and chanting, "No ADC, no election."

Rufai accused the judiciary of attempting to undermine Nigeria's multi-party democracy and entrench a one-party system. He appealed to former presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ibrahim Babangida, and Goodluck Jonathan, to intervene urgently. Rufai expressed concern that the judiciary's current trajectory, particularly under judges like Lifu, could erode public confidence in the courts, potentially leading to people taking the law into their own hands.

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Judiciary is not for sale

The ADC youth leader specifically called on the Attorney General of the Federation to "call Justice Lifu to order" and ensure his removal. He stated that the party had already filed a petition against Justice Lifu with the National Judicial Council (NJC). The petition reportedly accuses the judge of proceeding with the case despite a subsisting order from the Court of Appeal staying further proceedings, disregarding judicial precedent, and engaging in gross misconduct.

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Save our democracy now

Rufai indicated that the protest became necessary due to the NJC's silence and lack of response to the petition. He described the situation as "judicial banditry" that must cease, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention to prevent further damage to the nation's democratic system and public trust in the judiciary.

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No to one-party state