Nobody Can Intimidate The Court” — Judge Fires Back, Slams ADC, Aregbesola, Slaps ₦1m Fine

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, to pay a total of ₦1 million after dismissing their applications seeking the withdrawal of the presiding judge in an ongoing leadership dispute within the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling on Tuesday, holding that the motions lacked merit and that allegations of bias raised by the defendants were not supported by credible evidence.

The applications were filed in response to a suit instituted by ADC member Nafiu-Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership structure.

Gombe had asked the court to restrain key figures, including David Mark, Aregbesola, and members of the party’s interim National Working Committee, from presenting themselves as party leaders.

In their separate motions, ADC and Aregbesola had sought the recusal of Justice Lifu, alleging bias in the handling of the case.

However, the court ruled that the claims were unfounded, noting that the reasons presented did not relate to the substantive issues before it.

Justice Lifu stated that there was no evidence of unfair treatment or pre-judgment of the case, adding that the allegations appeared speculative and unsubstantiated.

He further noted that the applications were filed even before the court fully assumed jurisdiction over the matter, describing the move as procedurally inappropriate.

The judge emphasised that accusations of bias are serious and must be backed by clear and convincing facts, warning against attempts to influence judicial assignment or forum selection.

He also held that the motions amounted to an abuse of court process and reflected an attempt at forum shopping.

According to him, parties do not have the right to choose the judge that hears their case, as judicial assignments are strictly determined by court authorities.

Justice Lifu concluded that granting such applications without evidence would set a dangerous precedent and undermine judicial integrity.

Consequently, he dismissed the applications and imposed a cost of ₦500,000 each on ADC and Aregbesola, amounting to ₦1 million in total.

Earlier during proceedings, counsel Kalu-Kalu Agu, who sought to represent ADC National Welfare Secretary Nkemakolam Ukandu, argued that the court should not proceed with the matter, citing a previous judgment allegedly directing INEC to deregister the ADC.

He contended that the party, having been ordered deregistered, should no longer be regarded as existing in law.

However, the judge queried his legal standing in the case, asking whether he had been properly joined as a party.

Counsel to Gombe, Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN), opposed the argument, stating that Ukandu was not yet a party to the suit and could not be heard in that capacity.

He further maintained that the earlier judgment referenced had no relevance to the present proceedings.

Other counsel representing Aregbesola, David Mark, and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu also made submissions before the court.

Justice Lifu clarified that the current case was distinct from the earlier judgment involving ADC and that both matters should not be conflated.

The case was subsequently adjourned to June 23 for hearing of all pending applications.

The suit filed by Gombe lists ADC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Ralph Nwosu as defendants, seeking determination of whether the emergence of the party’s current leadership complied with its constitution and the Electoral Act.