ADC Raises Alarm Over Release of Lifu’s Judgment, Reveals Next Move

According to a report by TheCable on Thursday 12 November 2026, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the timing of the release of the certified true copy of the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja over the party’s leadership dispute.

The party said the judgment was made available on the final day of the constitutionally prescribed seven-day period, leaving it with limited time to study the ruling and determine the necessary legal steps to challenge it.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, said the authenticated copy of the judgment was released on the last day of the period stipulated under Section 294(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The constitutional provision requires courts to deliver copies of their judgments to parties within seven days of delivering the decisions.

Shaibu said the party would carefully examine the judgment and explore all available legal options to challenge the outcome.

Justice Lifu had, on November 5, delivered a judgment nullifying the David Mark-led caretaker committee of the ADC and its decisions, including the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Before the release of the certified copy, the ADC had repeatedly complained about the delay, insisting that its lawyers had submitted applications and paid the required fees but were yet to receive the document.

The party also maintained that the applications submitted by the lawyers carried the court’s “PAID” stamp, while Justice Lifu had reportedly informed parties in open court that copies of the judgment were ready.

The ADC has also raised concerns about the handling of the case, questioning the circumstances surrounding its reassignment from Justice Emeka Nwite to Justice Lifu.

On Tuesday, the party petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), calling for an investigation into Justice Lifu and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.

Shaibu alleged that Tsoho reassigned the case to Lifu a day after receiving a formal protest from the ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.

The party further claimed that Justice Nwite had commenced proceedings before the case was transferred and had not withdrawn from handling the matter.

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