The legal battle surrounding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) took another dramatic turn on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, as fresh developments unfolded inside and outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, further intensifying the party’s ongoing leadership and deregistration disputes.
Court Warns Plaintiff Over Absence in Bias Suit
A separate suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1165/2026, filed by ADC National Welfare Secretary Nkemakolam Ukandu, came up before Justice Salim Ibrahim of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Ukandu is asking the court to compel the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu over allegations of bias, corruption, and abuse of judicial powers.
However, neither Ukandu nor his legal representatives appeared in court.
Counsel representing the judges, J.U.K. Igwe (SAN), urged the court to strike out the suit for lack of diligent prosecution. Justice Salim Ibrahim declined to do so immediately, stating that the plaintiff should be given one final opportunity to pursue the case. The judge, however, warned that the suit would be dismissed if the plaintiff and his lawyers fail to appear at the next adjourned hearing.
Leadership Dispute Remains Unresolved
The leadership tussle involving Nafiu-Bala Gombe and former Senate President David Mark also failed to record any substantive progress.
Although Justice Peter Lifu had fixed June 30 for the hearing of pending applications, no major ruling was delivered. The matter remains stalled by procedural applications and legal objections, leaving the dispute unresolved.
ADC Youths Stage Massive Protest in Abuja
Outside the courtroom, hundreds of ADC supporters and youths staged a peaceful protest led by the party’s National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai.
The demonstrators marched from the ADC National Secretariat in Wuse II to the Federal High Court in Maitama, chanting slogans including “Justice Lifu Must Go.”
The protesters accused Justice Peter Lifu of judicial bias following his controversial order directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties.
The group submitted a formal petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), calling for disciplinary action against the judge and insisting that judicial independence must be protected to preserve Nigeria’s multiparty democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Appeal Court Hearing Awaits
Attention now shifts to the Court of Appeal, which is scheduled to hear the matter on July 7, 2026. The appellate court is expected to consider the legality of Justice Lifu’s controversial deregistration order and determine whether it should be upheld or set aside.
The outcome of the appeal is widely expected to have significant implications for the ADC’s future and the broader political landscape as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
