Paul Ibe, a media aide to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court over the judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties, describing the judge as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Ibe, in a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, said the recent intervention by the Court of Appeal should make Nigerians understand the implications of the Federal High Court decision, which he described as an attempt to undermine opposition politics.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had earlier ordered a stay of execution on Justice Lifu’s judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The appellate court criticised the conduct of the trial judge, describing the decision as the “highest form of judicial impertinence” and faulting him for proceeding with the matter despite an existing order and the pendency of the case before the appellate court.
Reacting to the development, Ibe alleged that Justice Lifu’s actions posed a danger to democratic governance, arguing that a democracy without opposition parties could lead to instability.
“The morning after, it should be crystal clear to all Nigerians irrespective of party affiliations that Justice Peter Lifu is a threat to our democracy,” Ibe stated.
He alleged that the judge had been involved in cases affecting opposition parties, claiming that the deregistration matters involving the ADC, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) were part of efforts aimed at weakening opposition voices.
According to him, the existence of strong opposition parties remains essential to the survival of democracy, warning that attempts to eliminate political alternatives could create tension and undermine national stability.
“Any democracy that abhors opposition parties is a recipe for chaos and anarchy,” he said.
Ibe also referenced the Court of Appeal’s remarks in criticising Justice Lifu’s handling of the matter, stating that the appellate court’s decision raised questions about the judge’s suitability for judicial duties.
“Like the Court of Appeal said yesterday, Justice Lifu is a misfit to the judiciary and is not qualified to sit at a beer parlour bench,” he added.
The stay of execution granted by the Court of Appeal means the deregistration order against the five political parties will remain suspended pending the determination of the appeal filed against the Federal High Court judgment.
