ADC Demands Immediate Release Of Justice Lifu’s Ruling, Questions Delay Despite Payment For Certified Copies

ADC Demands Immediate Release Of Justice Lifu’s Ruling, Questions Delay Despite Payment For Certified Copies

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate release of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over the party’s lingering leadership crisis, accusing the court of delaying access to a ruling with far-reaching implications for its political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party expressed displeasure over what it described as an unjustifiable delay in releasing the judgment, despite applications allegedly submitted by its lawyers and payment of the prescribed certification fees.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, the Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, said the continued unavailability of the certified judgment was unacceptable, particularly after the presiding judge reportedly indicated in open court that copies were ready for collection.

According to the ADC, counsel representing the first defendant applied for the certified copy on November 6, while counsel for the third defendant submitted an application on November 5, the day the judgment was delivered.

The party said both applications bore the Federal High Court's official payment stamp, indicating that the necessary fees had been settled.

Despite these steps, the ADC alleged that its lawyers had yet to receive the certified copies.

"This is an indefensible denial of access to a ruling that directly affects the party and its members. If the judgment was ready, there is no excuse for keeping it from the parties. Release it now," the statement declared.

The party argued that withholding or delaying access to the certified judgment undermines the ability of affected parties to properly understand the court's orders, obtain legal advice and exercise their constitutional right to appeal.

The controversy comes in the aftermath of Justice Lifu's November 5 judgment, which reportedly nullified the processes leading to the emergence of the David Mark-led national leadership of the ADC and affected the party's presidential nomination arrangements involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The suit was instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former deputy national chairman of the party, who challenged the legitimacy of the process through which the current leadership emerged.

The judgment has intensified the political uncertainty surrounding the opposition party, particularly as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.

The ADC has rejected the court's decision and indicated its intention to challenge the ruling through the appropriate appellate process.

However, the party insists that it cannot effectively exercise that right without access to the certified judgment containing the court's precise findings, reasoning and consequential orders.

Beyond demanding the release of the document, the ADC has also questioned the circumstances surrounding the proceedings, including the timing of the judgment and concerns it previously raised about the handling of the case.

Nevertheless, allegations of judicial impropriety must be distinguished from established facts, and the party's objections do not, in themselves, establish misconduct by the presiding judge or court officials.

A TEST OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

The controversy raises a fundamental question about access to judicial decisions: can parties effectively exercise their right to appeal when they cannot obtain the certified record of the judgment they intend to challenge?

A court judgment does not become immune from scrutiny simply because it has been delivered. Equally, parties dissatisfied with judicial decisions must be given the practical opportunity to understand the orders made against them and pursue remedies available under the law.

The ADC has therefore called on the Federal High Court to release the certified copies without further delay and address the circumstances surrounding the alleged failure to make them available despite payment.

The party has also vowed to pursue all lawful avenues to protect its interests.

As the leadership dispute continues, the handling of the certified judgment has become another critical issue in a crisis that threatens to complicate the ADC's preparations for the 2027 elections.

The Analyst will continue to monitor developments, including the court's response to the party's allegations and any subsequent proceedings before the appellate courts.

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