Judge Dismisses Applications in ADC Leadership Suit

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court Abuja ruled on Tuesday, dismissing two applications filed by Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, which sought his withdrawal from the leadership suit challenging the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark.

Justice Lifu stated that the applications lacked merit and were devoid of credible evidence, aimed at frustrating the acceleration of the hearing. The suit, originally heard by Justice Emeka Nwite earlier in the month, was reassigned to Justice Lifu following an apex court order to expedite the trial.

Aregbesola's applications requested that Justice Lifu recuse himself and return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment. However, Justice Lifu found the applications to be baseless and an abuse of court process, emphasizing that no party should choose the judge for their case.

He dismissed the applications and imposed a cost of N500,000 against the applicants, with the case adjourned until June 23 for further proceedings.