In a petition dated November 19 and signed by National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja, the party asked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to review the assignment pattern, citing fear of partiality and public perception issues. The PDP claims that all matters filed by or against it have disproportionately been handled by these three judges despite the presence of up to 12 judges in the Abuja Division.
The petition highlighted recent rulings by the judges that affected the party’s national convention. Justice Omotosho restrained the PDP from proceeding with its national elective convention due to alleged non-compliance with party rules. Justice Lifu similarly directed that the convention be put on hold until Sule Lamido, a former Jigawa State governor, secured a nomination form to contest for the National Chairman position.
Despite these conflicting orders, the PDP proceeded with the convention, citing a court order from Justice Ladiran Akintola of Oyo State. The contrasting rulings have deepened divisions within the party, with rival factions loyal to the PDP Governors Forum and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike laying competing claims to the party’s leadership.
The petition read in part:
“Given the current challenges facing the party, there is a high likelihood of cases being filed for or against the party. We humbly plead that no further matters be assigned to these three judges, as justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.”
The PDP stressed that the move was not a reflection on the integrity of the judiciary but rather an attempt to ensure public confidence and trust in ongoing and future legal proceedings affecting the party.
