ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out a suit seeking to stop the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, from taking part in activities of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC).
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the ruling on Friday, held that issues relating to discipline and suspension within a political party remain internal matters that do not require judicial intervention.
The court also imposed a combined N20 million fine against the plaintiffs and their lawyer for filing what it described as a frivolous and baseless suit.
The suit was instituted by some aggrieved ADC members in Wuse Ward, who claimed that Kingibe had been suspended on March 10 over allegations bordering on anti-party activities, gross misconduct and disregard for the party’s constitution.
The plaintiffs alleged that the suspension was ratified by two-thirds of party leaders within the ward.
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Through their counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kolawole Olowookere, the plaintiffs asked the court to issue an interim injunction restraining the senator from parading herself as a member of the ADC pending the determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order preventing Kingibe from attending party meetings, carrying out activities reserved for party members or interfering in the administration of the ward and its statutory records.
However, Justice Lifu faulted the entire suit, questioning why party members who claimed to have suspended the senator were seeking judicial endorsement for their own disciplinary action.
The judge held that if anyone should approach the court over the suspension, it ought to be the suspended senator herself challenging the decision.
Justice Lifu further observed that the plaintiffs appeared uncertain about the legality and validity of their own actions, prompting them to seek backing from the court.
Describing the suit as “frivolous, baseless and unfounded,” the judge invoked Sections 82 and 83 of the Electoral Act in awarding a N10 million fine against the plaintiffs in favour of Senator Kingibe.
The court also slammed an additional N10 million fine against the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Olowookere, directing that the amount equally be paid to the FCT senator.
The ruling marks another twist in the growing internal crisis within the ADC over leadership and disciplinary disputes ahead of the 2027 political season.