Court strikes out suit seeking to stop Ireti Kingibe from ADC activities

The federal high court in Abuja has struck out a suit seeking to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This follows her alleged suspension by Wuse Ward executives in the federal capital territory.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu held that disputes arising from discipline and suspension within a political party are internal matters that fall within the party’s jurisdiction and do not require judicial intervention.

Senator Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, was said to have been suspended on March 10, 2026, by her Wuse Ward executives over allegations of anti-party activities and alleged violation of the ADC constitution.

The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026 was filed by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel on behalf of themselves and other party members, with Senator Kingibe as the sole defendant.

The plaintiffs, through Kolawole Olowookere, their counsel had sought an interim injunction restraining the senator from presenting herself as a member of the ADC pending determination of the substantive suit.

They also asked the court to bar her from attending party meetings, performing party functions, or representing the ADC in any capacity, as well as from interfering in ward administration and party records.

They alleged that her suspension followed accusations of anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and alleged interference with ward documents.

However, Justice Lifu queried why those who initiated the suspension were seeking judicial validation of their own action.

The judge held that it was the affected senator who ought to have approached the court to challenge the disciplinary action, describing the suit as procedurally misplaced.

The court therefore struck out the case, describing it as frivolous, baseless, and unfounded.

Justice Lifu also ordered the plaintiffs to pay a total of ₦20 million in fines — ₦10 million to Senator Kingibe and another ₦10 million to her counsel.