By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit seeking to stop Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, from participating in activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Delivering judgment, Justice Peter Lifu held that issues bordering on discipline and suspension within a political party are internal matters that do not require judicial intervention.
The case was filed by some ADC members in Wuse Ward, who alleged that Senator Kingibe was suspended on March 10 over accusations of anti-party activities, misconduct, and alleged interference with party records. They claimed the suspension was later ratified by two-thirds of ward leaders.
The plaintiffs, through their counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kolawole Olowookere, had sought an interim injunction restraining the senator from parading herself as an ADC member, attending party meetings, or representing the party in any capacity.
They also asked the court to bar her from interfering with ward administration and access to party registers and other records pending the determination of the substantive suit.
However, Justice Lifu questioned the legal basis of the action, noting that those who initiated the suspension were effectively seeking judicial validation of their own internal decision.
The judge held that it was the affected lawmaker who ought to have challenged the suspension, describing the suit as premature and procedurally flawed.
He ruled that the case was frivolous, baseless, and unfounded, and accordingly struck it out.
Justice Lifu also imposed a ₦10 million fine on the plaintiffs and another ₦10 million on their counsel, directing that both sums be paid to Senator Kingibe.
