ADC Leadership Crisis Lawsuit as party official sues FHC Chief Judge Tsoho, alleging disobedience of court orders and bias in leadership dispute case
The National Welfare Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nkemakolam Ukandu, has filed a lawsuit against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, over alleged disobedience of court orders in a case linked to the party’s internal leadership crisis.
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Ukandu also sought an order compelling the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of judicial powers and alleged bias against the Chief Judge and another judge, Justice Peter Lifu.
In the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, Ukandu named the NJC as the first defendant, while Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu were listed as second and third defendants respectively.
The case is connected to an ongoing legal dispute involving a factional leadership challenge within the ADC, currently before Justice Lifu.
The underlying suit was initially assigned to Justice Emeka Nwite before his elevation to the Court of Appeal, after which the matter was reassigned to another judge, a move Ukandu is now contesting.
Ukandu argued that the reassignment of the case allegedly violated orders of the Supreme Court, which had earlier directed the matter back to the original trial judge for continuation of proceedings.
He claimed that despite objections from some parties, the Chief Judge proceeded with the reassignment, which he described as improper and contrary to judicial directives.
The ADC official further alleged that the reassignment and subsequent handling of the matter reflected bias and disregard for due process, accusations the defendants are yet to publicly respond to.
Ukandu also requested that Justice Lifu recuse himself from further hearing of the case, arguing that continued presiding over the matter could compromise fairness.
He additionally sought an injunction restraining Justice Lifu from continuing with the proceedings pending the outcome of a petition before the NJC.
The plaintiff is also asking the court to compel the NJC to investigate alleged misconduct and ensure appropriate disciplinary action where necessary.
The suit adds another layer of legal complexity to the ongoing leadership tussle within the ADC, which has seen competing claims and court battles over control of the party’s structure.
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The matter is expected to further test judicial processes as well as internal political tensions within the opposition party.
