A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit seeking to stop Senator Ireti Kingibe from taking part in the activities of the African Democratic Congress following her alleged suspension from the party.
Justice Peter Lifu ruled on Friday that matters relating to discipline and suspension within a political party are internal affairs and do not require court intervention.
Senator Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, was reportedly suspended by the ADC Wuse Ward Executive on March 10 over allegations of anti-party activities and violation of the party’s 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 ward members. Kingibe was listed as the sole defendant.
Through their lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kolawole Olowookere, the plaintiffs asked the court to issue an interim order preventing the senator from presenting herself as a member of the ADC pending the determination of the case.
They also sought an order restraining her from attending party meetings, carrying out party functions or interfering in the administration and records of the Wuse Ward.
The plaintiffs argued that Kingibe’s suspension followed due process and was ratified by two-thirds of ward executives. They accused her of anti-party conduct, gross misconduct and allegedly seizing ward records.
According to them, despite being informed of her suspension, the senator continued to hold meetings, issue statements as an ADC member and allegedly used her security aides to intimidate ward officials.
However, Justice Lifu questioned why those who suspended the senator had approached the court seeking validation of their own disciplinary action.
The judge held that if there was any grievance arising from the suspension, it was the suspended party member who should challenge the action, not those who imposed it.
Describing the case as “frivolous, baseless and unfounded,” Justice Lifu struck it out and ruled that the matter remained an internal affair of the ADC.
The court also imposed a N10 million fine on the plaintiffs, payable to Senator Kingibe. A separate N10 million fine was awarded against the lawyer who filed the suit, also to be paid to the senator.
The ruling marks a significant legal victory for Kingibe amid the lingering dispute over her standing within the ADC.
