By Prosper Mene
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 18, 2026, to deliver judgment in a suit seeking to uphold the indefinite suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe by the Wuse Ward chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Peter Lifu made the announcement on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both parties in the matter. The suit, filed by the Wuse Ward Executive Committee of the ADC, prays the court to declare Senator Kingibe’s suspension valid and subsisting, and to restrain her from parading herself as a member of the party.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, was suspended indefinitely on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward chapter. The ward executives accused her of anti-party activities, insubordination, gross misconduct, and alleged violation of the party’s constitution, including the confiscation of ward statutory records.
The suspension was announced by the then Wuse Ward Chairman, Kanayo Chukwu, during a stakeholders’ meeting. The ward claimed the decision was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive committee and properly communicated to relevant party organs.
However, the suspension triggered a rift within the ADC. The national leadership of the party and the FCT chapter initially distanced themselves from the action, describing it as unconstitutional and contrary to party procedures. The FCT chapter reportedly nullified the suspension and sanctioned some ward officials involved.
During proceedings, counsel to the plaintiffs argued for the validity of the suspension, while Kingibe’s legal team opposed the suit. The court had earlier granted an order for substituted service of court documents on the senator.
In an earlier ruling, Justice Lifu declined to grant an interim order stopping Senator Kingibe from participating in ADC activities pending the determination of the main suit.
The judgment on May 18 will be significant not only for Senator Kingibe’s status within the ADC but also for the broader internal dynamics of the party in the FCT. As the sole ADC senator representing the territory, her political alignment and activities have drawn considerable attention.
Stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the court upholds the ward-level suspension or sides with arguments emphasizing higher party structures and due process.
Further details on the judgment and reactions from the parties are expected after the May 18 ruling.
