PDP petitions CJ, objects to assignment of party cases to Omotosho, Lifu , one other judge

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over how its legal matters are being allocated within the Federal High Court in Abuja, urging the Chief Judge (CJ) to stop assigning cases involving the party to three specific judges.

In a letter dated November 19, 2025, and signed by National Secretary Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, the party wrote to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Honourable Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, questioning why cases filed by or against the PDP in recent years repeatedly end up before Hon. Justice James Omotosho, Hon. Justice Peter Lifu, and Hon. Justice Abdulmalik.

Despite the Abuja Judicial Division having 12 judges, the PDP noted that only these three have presided over its matters, a pattern that has sparked discontent among its members.

The letter stressed that justice must not only be served but must also be seen to be impartial, adding that party members have labelled the courts overseen by the three judges as “courts of particular concern” when it comes to matters involving the PDP.

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It stated, “Even though there are other Judges numbering up to nine in the Abuja Judicial Division, who could have taken up any of these matters, as the Abuja Division has 12 Judges.

“Several of our Party members have recently complained bitterly to the newly- elected members of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of the above-mentioned scenario. 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.”

With more politically charged cases expected in the coming months, the PDP urged the Chief Judge to ensure that any new suits involving the party are no longer assigned to the three judges named.

The party, however, clarified that it holds no reservations about the integrity of the judiciary. It also commended the Federal High Court in Abuja under Justice Tsoho’s leadership for its commitment to fairness and justice.