Court to rule Ireti Kingibe suspension dispute May 18

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 18 to deliver judgment in a suit seeking to uphold the suspension of Ireti Kingibe by her ward chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Justice Peter Lifu adjourned the matter for ruling after listening to arguments from both parties during Wednesday’s proceedings.

The case stems from the indefinite suspension of Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, by the ADC Wuse Ward chapter over alleged anti-party activities and violations of the party’s constitution.

Counsel to Kingibe, Marshall Abubakar, argued that the case lacked merit, insisting that the dispute was an internal party matter that should not be entertained by the court. He maintained that the proper procedures for handling such issues within the party were not followed by the plaintiffs.

According to him, his client was neither invited nor formally notified of any allegations before the suspension, raising questions about due process. He also argued that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, claiming they had themselves been suspended by the party.

Abubakar further contended that only the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has the authority to suspend a member, not a ward chapter. He urged the court to dismiss the suit entirely and award N25 million in punitive costs against the plaintiffs.

However, counsel to the plaintiffs, I.G Ogugua, opposed the arguments, urging the court to dismiss the defence’s claims. He argued that the court has jurisdiction to hear the matter, especially in situations where a party’s constitution may have been breached.

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Ogugua maintained that issues of internal party affairs are not beyond judicial scrutiny when due process and constitutional provisions are in question.

Earlier, Kingibe’s legal team had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, but the plaintiffs insisted the matter was properly before the court.

With both sides having presented their arguments, the court will now determine whether the suspension stands or is invalidated, a decision that could have broader implications for internal party discipline and legal oversight of political parties in Nigeria.

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