The Peoples Democratic Party has called on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, to refrain from allocating any of its cases to Justices James Omotosho, Peter Odo Lifu, and Abdulmalik.
According to the party, cases filed in the Abuja Judicial Division over the past few years—whether initiated by or against the PDP—have consistently been assigned to the three judges.
The party noted that several members have recently raised concerns over the pattern, asserting that the courts presided over by these judges are widely regarded by both party members and the public as “courts of particular concern” when it comes to matters affecting the PDP.
In a letter signed by newly elected National Secretary Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, the party expressed “fear and apprehension” about the handling of its cases at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The letter stated: “My lord, it is of great concern to our party that it would appear that all matters for the past few years filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, either for or against our party have always been assigned to the following three Judges only, namely: Hon. Justice James Omotosho, Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu, Hon. Justice Abduimalik.”
The party further noted that the Abuja Division has 12 judges, adding: “Even though there are other Judges numbering up to nine in the Abuja Judicial Division, who could have taken up any of these matters… Several of our party members have recently complained bitterly… Indeed, all these three courts are viewed by party members and indeed the public as ‘courts of particular concern’ with regard to matters pertaining to or affecting the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
The PDP stressed the importance of fairness, stating: “My lord, it is trite that justice must not only be done… but justice must be seen to be done indeed by reasonable members of the society including the members of our party.”
With more cases likely to arise amid ongoing internal challenges, the party urged the Chief Judge to ensure that none of its future matters is assigned to the three judges. It argued that “justice is rooted in trust and integrity.”
While reiterating its confidence in the judiciary, the party emphasized that its appeal was driven by the “highlighted fears and apprehension of our party” rather than doubts about the court’s overall integrity.
