Party Deregistration: NJC Urged To Probe Justice Lifu

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has been called upon to investigate Justice Peter Lifu for his judgment in a matter in which the Court of Appeal is already presiding.

The call is predicated on the negative impact of the alleged disregard for the court hierarchy on the judiciary and democracy as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

Justice Lifu, on Monday, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties for alleged breaches of Section 225(A) of the Constitution.

He was said to have delivered the judgment against an order of stay of proceedings issued on 22 May by the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal.

The judge’s decision has come under heavy criticism, with many accusing him of undermining democracy.

A civil society group under the Tap Initiative for Citizens’ Development called on the judiciary’s leadership to commence an immediate investigation into Justice Lifu in relation to the judgment.

The group in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mbasekei Martin Obono, is requesting the NJC to among others, “Determine whether the decision was delivered in disregard of pending appellate proceedings and a subsisting order of stay; “Examine possible breaches of the judicial code of conduct; Take appropriate disciplinary action if misconduct is established; and Reaffirm the authority of appellate courts and the supremacy of due process within the judiciary”.

The group recalled that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has consistently emphasised the need for accountability, discipline, and ethical conduct within the judiciary.

While disclosing that they have formally submitted a petition to the CJN in her capacity as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), seeking the investigation and possible disciplinary action against Justice Lifu, Tap Initiative pointed out that the petition presents an opportunity to further reinforce those principles and demonstrate that judicial independence is not incompatible with accountability.

“Tap Initiative expresses grave concern that at the time the said judgment was delivered, there were subsisting appellate proceedings before the Court of Appeal in respect of the same subject matter in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026. Furthermore, the Court of Appeal had issued an Enrolment Order expressly granting a stay of proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2025, being the very proceedings in which the Federal High Court subsequently proceeded to deliver judgment.

“This development raises profound constitutional and procedural concerns, as it appears that a valid order of stay and active appellate proceedings were in force at the material time. If established, this situation would constitute a serious affront to the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal within Nigeria’s constitutional order.

“Tap Initiative emphasises that the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system depends fundamentally on strict adherence to judicial hierarchy, procedural discipline, and respect for appellate authority. Any deviation from these principles risks creating conflicting judicial outcomes, eroding legal certainty, and undermining public confidence in the courts”, he said.

Stressing that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common citizen, Tap Initiative argued that the judiciary’s legitimacy is sustained not only by constitutional authority but by unwavering public confidence in its fairness, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

The group accordingly called on the NJC to treat the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves in the interest of justice, democracy, and national stability.