The Peoples Democratic Party has raised concern over the repeated assignment of its cases to three specific judges at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division Justices James Omotosho, Peter Lifu, and Mohammed Abdulmalik.
In a petition dated November 19 and addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, the party through its National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja questioned why matters filed by or against the PDP consistently end up before the same trio, despite the division having 12 judges.
The petition referenced recent rulings, including Justice Omotosho’s order stopping the PDP from holding its national elective convention over alleged constitutional breaches.
Justice Lifu also ordered a halt to the convention following a suit by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who claimed he was excluded from contesting for National Chairman.
Despite these conflicting orders, the party proceeded with the convention, relying on a separate ruling by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court.
The contradictory court decisions have since deepened divisions within the PDP, with factions loyal to the PDP Governors Forum and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, contesting the party’s leadership.
The PDP stated in its petition that party members and the public now view the three courts as “courts of particular concern.”
It emphasized that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, urging the Chief Judge to refrain from assigning future PDP-related matters to the three judges in question.
Reaffirming its trust in the judiciary, the party said its concern was rooted in preserving public confidence amid ongoing internal challenges and anticipated legal battles.
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