Hundreds of protesters marched through Abuja on Tuesday demanding the removal of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, accusing the judge’s recent ruling affecting opposition political parties of threatening Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. Protesters also submitted a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Hundreds of supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) staged a protest in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the removal of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court over his recent judgment affecting the party and other opposition platforms. The demonstrators alleged that the ruling was part of an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic system and create a one-party state.
Led by the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, the protesters marched from the party’s national secretariat in Wuse II to the Federal High Court in Maitama, chanting “Justice Lifu must go” and carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Judiciary is not for sale,” “Save our democracy now,” and “No to one-party state.”
The protesters submitted a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), urging the body to investigate Justice Lifu’s conduct and take appropriate disciplinary action.
The demonstration follows Justice Lifu’s judgment concerning the registration status of the ADC and other political parties, a decision that has generated legal appeals and sharp criticism from opposition figures.
Protest organisers argued that the judgment could weaken political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections, while maintaining that their demonstration was peaceful and aimed at defending democratic institutions.
Addressing journalists during the protest, Rufai called on elder statesmen, including former Presidents and Heads of State, to intervene in what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties.
As of the time of filing this report, the National Judicial Council had not publicly responded to the petition submitted by the protesters.
The protest adds to the growing political tension surrounding ongoing litigation involving opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the legal process continues in the courts, protesters say they will continue to pursue lawful means to defend what they describe as Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.