Court Urged to Bar Sen Ireti Kingibe From Parading As ADC Member
The Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from presenting herself as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The request forms part of six reliefs being sought in a suit filed on Friday by officials of the ADC through their lawyer, Maxwell Opera.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2026, names only Kingibe as the defendant and accuses her of violating the party’s constitution, engaging in anti-party activities, and failing to conduct herself as a true member of the party.
The suit was filed by Okezuo Godfrey Kanayo, ADC Chairman in Wise Ward, FCT, and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, Secretary of the ward, for themselves and on behalf of the Ward Executive Committee of the party.
Samuel stated in a supporting affidavit, that sometime in 2026 the Ward Executive Committee received complaints regarding acts allegedly committed by the Kingibe contrary to the constitution of the party.
He said particularly, on March 10, 2026 at the general meeting of the party and upon review of her activities since she joined the party, the following infraction was found:
“The defendant willingly confiscated the ward register, thereby contravening some sections of the Party constitution.
“The defendant has continuously and persistently absented herself from ward meetings since joining the party.
“Her willful and intentional neglect in paying the party’s statutory fees, including membership registration, dues and levies.
“Anti-party activities, insubordination, public announcement capable of causing public shame to the activities of the party within the ward.”
Samuel further stated that following deliberations and due consideration after the review of Kingibe’s activities, the Ward Executive Committee resolved to suspend her from the party pending further disciplinary action.
He said her suspension was ratified by two-third majority of the Executive Committee in the general meeting of the party.
Samuel added, “The suspension was duly communicated to the defendant and relevant party organs. Despite the said suspension, the defendant continues to parade herself as a card-carrying member of the ADC.
“The plaintiffs are concerned that the defendant may continue to present and hold herself out publicly as a member of the party unless restrained by an order of this honourable court.”
The plaintiffs, who raised four issues for the court’s determination, are praying for six reliefs, among which is a declaration that “by virtue of the party’s constitution, the Wuse Ward Executive Committee possesses the power to discipline and suspend members of the party within its jurisdiction.”
They are also praying for the following reliefs:
“A declaration that the suspension of the defendant, Senator Ireti Kingibe, by the Wuse Ward Executive Committee of the ADC is valid and subsisting.
“A declaration that the defendant cannot lawfully parade and should not parade herself as a member or card-carrying member of the ADC during the subsistence of the said suspension.
“A declaration that the National Working Committee of the ADC cannot and should not lawfully recognize the defendant as a member of the party at any level during the subsistence of her suspension.
“A declaration of the court affirming and validating the suspension of the defendant by the Wuse Ward Executive Committee of the plaintiffs.
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from parading herself as a member of the ADC pending the determination of her disciplinary status within the party.”
The plaintiffs are contending, among others, that “the party’s constitution empowers ward executives to maintain discipline among party members within their jurisdiction. Once Kingibe was suspended pursuant to the provisions of the party’s constitution, she ceased to enjoy the privileges of membership pending the determination of her disciplinary status. Consequently, the defendant cannot lawfully parade herself as a member of the party.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
