Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Action Peoples Party senatorial candidate for Imo West, Hon. Rufus Omeire, has formally called on the National Judicial Council to suspend Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over what he described as actions that undermine judicial hierarchy, the rule of law, and democratic governance, following the judge's controversial ruling ordering the deregistration of five opposition parties despite a subsisting stay order from the Court of Appeal. In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Omeire, who is seeking to represent the Orlu Senatorial Zone in the 2027 elections, argued that the judge’s conduct poses a direct threat to Nigeria's democratic institutions and could lead to anarchy if left unchecked.
The controversy stems from a judgment delivered by Justice Lifu on Monday, June 15, 2026, in which he ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for allegedly failing to meet the constitutional performance requirements under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution. The ruling, which was delivered in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, was based on a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. However, the judgment was delivered despite an earlier order from the Court of Appeal, issued on May 22, 2026, which had expressly stayed further proceedings in the same suit pending the determination of an appeal filed by the Accord Party.
On Tuesday, June 16, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, delivered a stinging rebuke to Justice Lifu, staying the execution of his judgment and describing his conduct as a "brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution." The appellate panel, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, held that the trial judge's action amounted to "the highest form of judicial impertinence" and "judicial rascality," noting that he had proceeded to deliver judgment despite being fully aware of the appellate court's directive to suspend proceedings.
In his statement, Omeire expressed deep concern that at a time when Nigerians are grappling with worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and other pressing national challenges, judicial actions capable of creating uncertainty, tension, and anarchy should not be allowed to persist. "As Nigerians continue to grapple with worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and other pressing national challenges, it is deeply troubling that Justice Lifu allegedly appears determined to create further uncertainty and tension through actions that undermine the rule of law and judicial hierarchy, which could lead to anarchy if unchecked," Omeire said.
The APP chieftain argued that the National Judicial Council must act swiftly to protect the integrity of the judiciary. "The Court of Appeal has consistently maintained that any judge who disobeys the order or decision of a superior court is unfit to remain on the bench. In light of this established judicial principle, the National Judicial Council must immediately suspend Justice Lifu and commence appropriate disciplinary proceedings," he stated. He further warned that failure to act decisively would send the wrong signal and encourage judicial recklessness, adding that the suspension of Justice Lifu would serve as a deterrent to other judges who may be tempted to disregard established judicial procedures and the supremacy of higher courts.
Omeire reiterated that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and must be protected from actions capable of eroding public confidence in the administration of justice. "If a Federal High Court judge cannot obey the orders and decisions of superior courts, what moral authority would such a judge have to expect compliance with his own orders?" he asked. He added that Nigeria's democratic system, built through years of sacrifice, must not be endangered by the conduct of any selfish and greedy individual, regardless of position.
The call for Justice Lifu's suspension adds to a growing chorus of voices demanding accountability over the deregistration ruling. A civil society organisation, the TAP Initiative for Citizens' Development, had earlier filed a petition before the National Judicial Council on June 16, also seeking an investigation into the judge's conduct. The group argued that the ruling, delivered in disregard of pending appellate proceedings and a subsisting order of stay, raised profound constitutional and procedural concerns that could erode public confidence in the courts.
Omeire, who represented Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, reaffirmed the commitment of the Action Peoples Party to addressing the challenges facing residents of Orlu Senatorial Zone and the country at large. "We remain committed to constructive engagement and meaningful dialogue aimed at finding lasting solutions to the insecurity, economic hardship, and developmental challenges confronting our people," he said. "We will continue to promote policies and ideas that advance security, peace, unity, and prosperity in the Orlu Senatorial Zone, Imo State, and Nigeria at large."
As of the time of filing this report, the National Judicial Council had not issued an official response to the calls for Justice Lifu's suspension. The Court of Appeal's stay of execution means the five affected political parties remain registered pending the determination of their substantive appeals. However, the controversy surrounding the ruling has intensified scrutiny of the judiciary's adherence to procedural discipline and judicial hierarchy, with many Nigerians watching closely to see whether the NJC will act on the mounting calls for accountability.
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