Judge refuses to recuse himself from ADC leadership dispute

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to recuse himself from a suit challenging the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing two applications that sought his withdrawal.

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There is no element of bias being painted by the applicants as alleged.

The judge ruled that the applications, filed by the ADC and its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, were without merit and lacked credible evidence. He stated they were intended to obstruct the accelerated hearing of the case, an order previously issued by the Supreme Court.

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The law is settled that allegations of bias are grave allegations which are not made lightly. ‘Whoever alleges bias must provide clear evidence.

The legal challenge was initiated by an aggrieved ADC member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, who is seeking the de-recognition of the party's leadership under Senator David Mark. The case was recently reassigned to Justice Lifu following the Supreme Court's directive for an expedited trial.

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It becomes apparent that the applicants have failed completely to prove the allegations.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu described the applications as an "abuse of court process" and "forum shopping," asserting that allegations of bias require clear evidence, which the applicants failed to provide. He emphasized that litigants should not be allowed to choose judges and that judges must remain firm in dispensing justice without yielding to the whims of counsel. The judge adjourned the proceedings to June 23 for a hearing on pending motions.

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It is a cheap attempt to blackmail and intimidate the court.