The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the sack of Justice Peter Lifu of Federal High Court, Abuja, following the nullification of his judgement by the Court of Appeal, for the deregistration of ADC and four other political parties.
ADC in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, noted that this was the second time the appellate court has said that Justice Lifu’s judgement was not based on law.
“We note that this is the second time in cases involving the ADC that Justice Peter Lifu would be coming under serious indictment by the superior court for wilful disobedience and judicial insubordination impertinence.
“We therefore wonder whether such a judge should be allowed to sit on the bench even for a day longer,” the party stated.
It accused Justice Lifu of misinterpreting Section 225A of the Constitution, in his judgement to deregister the ADC and four other political parties, pointing out that the Court of Appeal justices in their judgement, noted the contradiction in the trial court’s interpretation of Section 225A.
“According to the appellate court, having accepted the proper constitutional interpretation, the trial court nevertheless proceeded to arrive at conclusions inconsistent with both the Constitution and the evidence before it.
“The Court of Appeal therefore concluded that the African Democratic Congress satisfies the constitutional threshold for recognition as a political party and remains fully entitled to continue its political activities under the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
“We consider this judgement significant, not merely because it restores the rights of the affected political parties but because it reinforces an enduring constitutional principle: that judicial authority must always be exercised within the bounds of the law, in obedience to superior court orders, and on the basis of evidence properly before the court,” the party said.
ADC restated its confidence in the judicial process, adding that it was gratified that the Court of Appeal has reaffirmed the rule of law, corrected a grave miscarriage of justice, and protected the constitutional rights of political parties against unlawful interference.
“Our focus remains unchanged. We will continue to strengthen our party, deepen democratic participation, and offer Nigerians the credible alternative they deserve,” ADC assured.
