Nkemakolam Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has instituted a suit against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, over the transfer of a case involving the leadership crisis within the party to another judge.

Also joined in the suit are the National Judicial Council (NJC) as first respondent and Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court as third respondent.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1165/2026 and filed on Thursday, Ukandu is seeking an order compelling the NJC to investigate alleged abuse of judicial powers and misconduct against Justice Tsoho.

The ADC chieftain contended that the reassignment of the suit filed by Nafiu Bala, a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, was carried out in violation of existing court orders.

According to him, the decision by the Chief Judge to transfer the matter to Justice Peter Lifu disregarded directives earlier issued by the Supreme Court and Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court.

Ukandu argued that the action undermined judicial procedure and amounted to a breach of established legal processes governing the handling of cases already assigned before a competent court.

The disputed suit challenges the legality of the current ADC leadership headed by former Senate President David Mark.

Justice Tsoho had, in May, reassigned the matter to Justice Lifu for adjudication, a move that has now triggered fresh legal and political tensions within the party.

The latest lawsuit adds another layer to the lingering leadership crisis rocking the ADC, which has been marked by internal divisions, court battles and competing claims to the party’s structure and authority.

Detail Later…