PDP Names Three Judges That Should Be Barred From Party Cases

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over what it described as a “pattern” in the assignment of its legal matters at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Naija News gathered that the opposition party urged the Chief Judge, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, to halt the practice.

In a letter dated November 19, 2025 and signed by the party’s National Secretary, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, the PDP noted that for several years, virtually all cases filed by or against the party had been continually assigned to three judges – Justice James Omotosho, Justice Peter Odo Lifu and Justice Abdulmalik.

The party said the development had alarmed its members, stressing that the Abuja Division has 12 judges, yet only the three identified courts repeatedly receive PDP-related cases.

“Several of our party members have recently complained bitterly… Indeed, all these three Courts are viewed by party members and the public as ‘courts of particular concern’ with matters affecting the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party,” the letter stated.

While insisting it does not doubt the competence or integrity of the judges, the PDP argued that equitable case distribution is essential to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.

The party added that justice “must not only be done but must be seen to be done”, urging Justice Tsoho to ensure that future matters involving the PDP are assigned to other judges within the Abuja Division.

With more politically sensitive cases expected ahead of the 2026–2027 election cycle, the PDP asked the Chief Judge to ensure none of its future matters are assigned to the three judges in question.

The party, however, praised the Federal High Court under Justice Tsoho for upholding fairness, saying its request was aimed at strengthening trust and transparency in the judicial process.

Source: Naijanews