Forty-eight hours after her suspension from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Wuse Ward executive committee in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking a legal order to prevent Senator Ireti Kingibe from presenting herself as a member of the party.
The suit, filed by officials of the ward leadership, challenges the senator’s continued association with the ADC following her indefinite suspension over alleged anti-party activities, insubordination, and violations of party rules.
ADC Ward Leadership Files Suit to Enforce Suspension
The legal action was initiated by Okezuo Kanayo, chairman of the ADC Wuse Ward, and Isaiah Samuel, the ward secretary. In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2026, the plaintiffs are asking the Federal High Court to affirm that the ward executive committee acted within its constitutional authority when it suspended the senator.
Through their counsel, Maxwell Opara, the plaintiffs argued that the ADC s internal constitution empowers ward executives to discipline members operating within their jurisdiction. They are therefore seeking a judicial declaration that the suspension of Senator Kingibe remains valid and enforceable until otherwise determined by the appropriate party authority or the court.
The suit was filed just two days after the ward executive committee announced the senator’s indefinite suspension, escalating what appears to be an internal dispute within the party’s FCT structure.
Request to Bar Recognition During Suspension
Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiffs asked the court to declare that Senator Kingibe cannot lawfully present herself as a member or card-carrying member of the African Democratic Congress while the suspension remains in effect.
They also requested an order restraining the ADC national leadership from recognising her as a member during the period of the suspension. Specifically, the suit seeks a declaration that the party’s national working committee should not accord the senator any membership status until the disciplinary action is resolved.
According to the court filings, the case was brought pursuant to Sections 6(6)(b) and 251 of the 1999 Constitution, alongside Article 16 of the ADC Constitution and Order 3 Rules 6 and 7 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.
Legal Questions Before the Court
Central to the case is the question of whether a ward executive committee has the authority to discipline and suspend a party member holding a national political office, such as a senator.
The plaintiffs have asked the court to determine whether the Wuse Ward leadership possesses such powers under the party’s constitution. A ruling on the issue could clarify the extent of disciplinary authority exercised by local party structures within the ADC.
As of the time of filing, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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