NJC Urged to Probe Justice Lifu Over Court Order Disregard

A civil society group has urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate Justice Peter Lifu over his alleged disregard for an appellate court's order concerning the deregistration of five political parties. The group, represented by its Executive Director Mbasekei Martin Obono, expressed concerns that Justice Lifu's judgment, delivered on May 22 in Abuja, could negatively impact the judiciary's hierarchy and democracy in Nigeria as the 2027 general elections approach.

They emphasized that the judgment undermines the authority of the appellate court, which had issued a stay on the proceedings related to the case. The group highlighted the importance of judicial independence and adherence to procedural discipline within the judiciary, warning that deviations could erode public confidence in the legal system.

They called for urgent action from the NJC to address the matter, asserting that the integrity of the judiciary is crucial for maintaining democratic stability in the nation.