By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Fresh controversy has erupted around proceedings in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025 — Hon. Dumebi Kachikwu & 4 Ors vs. Independent National Electoral Commission & 5 Ors — as a petitioner has accused two Federal High Court judges of bias and alleged political influence linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a petition addressed to the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr. Nkemakolam Ukandu alleged that Justice Joyce O. Abdulmalik and Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, acted in ways that suggest partiality in favour of political interests associated with Wike.
Ukandu claimed that Justice Tsoho reassigned the case to Justice Abdulmalik despite pending legal challenges over the reassignment and an alleged directive to maintain the status quo. He further alleged that certain political matters involving Wike are routinely assigned to judges perceived to be sympathetic to the minister — an allegation for which no independent confirmation has been provided.
The petition also referenced a viral video allegedly showing the judges in Wike’s office. Ukandu argued that this development has contributed to public perception concerns about the judges’ neutrality. However, neither Wike nor the judges have publicly responded to the claims at the time of this report.
The underlying suit involves Hon. Dumebi Kachikwu and other plaintiffs against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and five other defendants.
According to the petition, proceedings on February 25, 2026 continued despite a pending appeal before the Court of Appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the court and a motion seeking a stay of proceedings. Ukandu stated that his counsel, Kalu Kalu Agu, informed the court of the pending appeal, yet three interlocutory applications were heard and bench rulings delivered.
He also alleged unequal treatment in adjournment decisions, claiming that while opposing counsel was granted accommodation to regularise filings, his own applications were not similarly entertained. The matter was subsequently adjourned to March 6, 2026.
Among his prayers, Ukandu urged the NJC to direct Justice Abdulmalik to recuse herself from the case and to investigate both judges for alleged misconduct. He further warned that if no action is taken by March 2, 2026, he may pursue legal remedies against the NJC and the judges.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the NJC, the judges mentioned in the petition, or Minister Wike regarding the allegations.