Abuja, June 4, 2026 – The National Welfare Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Nkemakolam Ukandu, has instituted legal action against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, over alleged disregard for a court order.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1165/2026, filed on Thursday, Ukandu is seeking an order compelling the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of judicial authority, and violation of court directives levelled against the Chief Judge.
The claimant joined the NJC as the first defendant, while Justice Tsoho and Justice Peter Lifu were listed as second and third defendants respectively.
The case stems from an ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress involving a factional matter currently before Justice Lifu, filed by an aggrieved member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe.
The suit seeks to restrain the Sen. David Mark-led leadership of the ADC from presenting itself as the legitimate leadership of the party.
Ukandu is also seeking to be joined in the substantive case, arguing that the reassignment of the matter to Justice Lifu amounted to bias and disregard for judicial directives.
He faulted the decision of the Chief Judge to reassign the case, insisting it contravened earlier directions allegedly issued by the Supreme Court and Justice Emeka Nwite, the initial trial judge.
He recalled that the Supreme Court, in a ruling delivered on April 30, ordered that the matter be returned to Justice Nwite for continuation of hearing of pending jurisdictional applications.
According to him, after proceedings resumed before Justice Nwite, an application was made requesting reassignment of the case to another judge, which was opposed by other parties in the suit.
He stated that Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter indefinitely pending compliance with procedural requirements, including service of relevant correspondence and submission of certified court documents.
Ukandu alleged that despite these developments, the Chief Judge reassigned the case, which he described as an abuse of judicial powers.
He further claimed that Justice Lifu proceeded to fix the matter for hearing despite the existence of prior court directives.
The claimant also referenced a public statement issued by the ADC on May 7, which alleged that the case had been assigned to a judge perceived to be favourable to one of the parties, a claim that generated public concern at the time.
He added that the reassignment was carried out despite objections from involved parties, describing it as procedurally improper.
Ukandu also alleged that no hearing notice was served on his counsel ahead of proceedings scheduled for June 3.
He cited public commentary, including remarks attributed to legal scholar Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, suggesting concerns about the handling of politically sensitive cases by the court.
The plaintiff is asking the court to declare that the NJC has the constitutional responsibility to investigate complaints against judicial officers and impose appropriate sanctions where necessary.
He is also seeking an order directing the NJC to probe allegations of corruption, abuse of judicial powers, disobedience to court orders, and bias against the second and third defendants.
In addition, Ukandu is requesting an injunction restraining Justice Lifu from continuing to hear the case pending the outcome of the NJC investigation.
He further wants the court to order Justice Lifu to recuse himself from the matter entirely.