Court clears Kingibe to participate in ADC activities

A Federal High Court in Abuja has cleared the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, to participate in all activities of the African Democratic Congress.

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, on Friday struck out a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026 seeking to stop Kingibe from participating in ADC activities.

The suit was filed by Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel on behalf of themselves and ward members as plaintiffs, with Kingibe as the sole defendant.

Kingibe was said to have been suspended on March 10 by the Wuse Ward Executive, with the action allegedly ratified by two-thirds of the party leaders over allegations of anti-party activities and disregard for the constitution of the ADC.

In the suit filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by Kolawole Olowookere, SAN, the aggrieved ADC members sought an order of interim injunction restraining Kingibe from parading herself as a member of the ADC pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

They also asked the court to restrain the senator from performing any function, attending meetings, carrying out activities reserved for ADC members, or representing the party in any capacity.

In addition, the Ward Executive Committee sought an order restraining her from further interfering with the administration of the ward, the ward register and other activities.

The suit was predicated on five grounds, among which were claims that Kingibe was placed on suspension over alleged anti-party activities, gross misconduct and confiscation of the ward’s statutory records.

“That the suspension followed due process as enshrined in the ADC Constitution and ratified by the two-thirds majority of the Exco members.

“That despite the communication of the suspension to her, she has continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as ADC member and use her security details to intimidate the Executive Committee.

“That her actions constitute flagrant disregard to the internal mechanism of the party,” they claimed.

Delivering ruling in the case, Justice Lifu held that the subject matter of the suit bordered on the internal affairs of the party.

“The issue of discipline and suspension upon which this suit is predicated is an internal affair of the ADC that does not need the intervention of any court.”

Justice Lifu questioned why those who suspended the senator were in court seeking validation of their own action.

He held that Kingibe, being the person suspended, ought to be the one challenging the disciplinary action in court, adding that the plaintiffs were unsure of their own action and therefore rushed to court.

While holding that the suit was frivolous, baseless and unfounded, Justice Peter Lifu invoked Sections 82 and 83 of the Electoral Act and imposed a fine of N10m on the plaintiffs, payable to Kingibe.

The judge also imposed another N10m fine on the lawyer who filed the suit on behalf of the plaintiffs, also payable to the senator.