A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by members of the African Democratic Congress seeking to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe from parading herself as a member of the party following her suspension by ward executives.
Justice Peter Lifu, in his ruling, held that issues relating to discipline and suspension within the party were internal affairs of the ADC and did not require judicial intervention.
Kingibe was reportedly suspended on March 10 by executives of the party in Wuse Ward over allegations of anti-party activities and disregard for the party’s constitution.
The plaintiffs, through their counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kolawole Olowookere, had asked the court to stop the senator from attending party meetings, performing functions reserved for party members or interfering in the administration of the ward pending the determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an interim injunction restraining Kingibe from representing the ADC in any capacity.
The ward executives based their application on allegations of anti-party activities, gross misconduct and alleged confiscation of statutory ward records by the senator.
However, Justice Lifu questioned why those who carried out the suspension were seeking validation of their own action through the court.
The judge held that it was the suspended senator, and not those who imposed the disciplinary action, who should challenge the suspension if dissatisfied.
Describing the suit as frivolous, baseless and unfounded, the court invoked Sections 82 and 83 of the Electoral Act and imposed a ₦10 million fine on the plaintiffs to be paid to Kingibe.
The court also fined the plaintiffs’ lawyer an additional ₦10 million for filing what it described as a frivolous suit.
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