The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 16 to determine whether Justice Peter Lifu should withdraw from hearing the case over the leadership tussle within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Lifu announced the date on Monday after lawyers in the matter adopted and argued applications requesting his recusal on grounds of alleged bias.
The case was initiated by a former deputy chairman of the party, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legitimacy of the party’s current national leadership under Senator David Mark.
The dispute, which has also involved the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission), previously reached the Supreme Court before being sent back to the trial court on April 30 for accelerated hearing.
The matter was earlier handled by Justice Emeka Nwite before it was adjourned indefinitely following a letter requesting reassignment of the case to another judge. It was later transferred to Justice Lifu, who assumed jurisdiction on June 3.
Upon taking over, Justice Lifu ordered an accelerated hearing and fixed June 8 for pending applications.
At Monday’s sitting, tensions rose as counsel identified their processes, after which the judge directed parties to argue motions seeking his withdrawal from the case.
The ADC, alongside other respondents including Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the electoral commission, and Chief Ralph Nwosu, are listed as defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025.
Except for the second respondent and INEC, other parties—including a factional claimant, National Welfare Secretary of the ADC, Nkemakolam Ukandu—supported the request for the judge’s recusal, alleging bias and seeking transfer or suspension of proceedings.
Ukandu, through counsel Kalu Kalu Agu, also referenced petitions pending before the National Judicial Council (NJC) involving the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Lifu, as well as a related court action filed last week.
However, counsel to Gombe, Robert Emukpero, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the applications, arguing that no credible evidence of bias had been established.
After hearing arguments from all sides, Justice Lifu adjourned the case to June 16 to rule on whether he will continue hearing the matter or step aside.