ADC Chieftain Accuses Justice Lifu of Undermining Democracy Ahead of 2027 Elections

|By Adejumo Adekunle – African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has accused Federal High Court judge Justice Peter Lifu of undermining democracy and working against opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday, Eze described the judge as an anti-democratic judicial officer. He alleged that Justice Lifu was being used to weaken opposition political parties and influence judicial decisions in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Eze, the judge ignored an Appeal Court order directing a stay of proceedings in a suit seeking the deregistration of some political parties. He argued that such actions raised concerns about judicial independence and the rule of law.

Furthermore, Eze claimed that some judicial officers had become vulnerable to political pressure. He linked the situation to events surrounding the removal and prosecution of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, Eze praised the Court of Appeal and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for challenging what he described as an improper judgment affecting the ADC and four other political parties.

He also alleged that political actors were attempting to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections. In addition, he expressed confidence that opposition parties would remain active despite legal and political challenges.

Consequently, Eze called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate Justice Lifu and take disciplinary action if necessary. He argued that such a probe would help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary.

The allegations come amid growing political tensions and renewed debates over the role of the judiciary in Nigeria’s democratic process as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.