By Vivian Okejeme
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday dismissed a suit challenging Senator Ireti Kingibe’s participation in the activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The court held that the suit was frivolous, baseless and unfounded.
Consequently, the court invoked Sections 82 and 83 of the Electoral Act and imposed a fine of N10 million each on the plaintiffs and their lawyer, payable to the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, stemmed from the alleged disciplinary action and suspension of Senator Kingibe by the Wuse Ward Executive in Abuja.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the matter concerned the internal affairs of a political party and did not require judicial intervention.
Senator Kingibe was said to have been suspended on March 10 by the Wuse Ward Executive, with the action allegedly ratified by a two-thirds majority of party leaders over allegations of anti-party activities and disregard for the constitution of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The plaintiffs, Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, had prayed the court for an 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.
Through their counsel, Kolawole Olowookere (SAN), the plaintiffs also asked the court to restrain Kingibe 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 interfering with the administration of the ward, the ward register and other party activities.
The suit was predicated on five grounds, including allegations that Kingibe was suspended for anti-party activities, gross misconduct and confiscation of statutory ward records.
According to the plaintiffs:
“The suspension followed due process as enshrined in the ADC Constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive members.
“Despite being informed of the suspension, she has continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as an ADC member and use her security details to intimidate members of the Executive Committee.
“Her actions constitute a flagrant disregard for the internal mechanisms of the party.”
However, in his ruling, Justice Lifu questioned why those who suspended the senator approached the court to seek validation for their own action.
The judge held that Senator Kingibe, as the person allegedly suspended, ought to have challenged the disciplinary action if she felt aggrieved. He added that the plaintiffs’ decision to seek judicial endorsement of their action suggested a lack of confidence in the legitimacy of the suspension.
