TDThe Wuse Ward of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja announced the suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe on Thursday.
The Ward cited alleged anti-party activities including insubordination, skipping meetings, and withholding campaign funds.
The decision followed a March 10 stakeholders’ meeting attended by over 2,000 members, where the motion reportedly passed by a two-thirds majority.
ADC’s National Leadership Rejects Suspension
However, ADC’s national leadership swiftly dismissed the suspension as invalid.
National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi stated that the party was “unaware of any suspension”.
Abdullahi emphasized that disciplinary actions must follow constitutional procedures through internal channels, not unilateral ward decisions.
The controversy highlights growing tensions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kingibe, who recently defected from the Labour Party, has clashed with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over political control in Abuja.
Indefinite Suspension Backed by FCT Chapter
Barely 24 hours after the ward-level suspension, the ADC’s FCT chapter publicly endorsed the move.
In a statement, FCT Publicity Secretary Samuel Chukwudi Nwigbo accused Kingibe of withholding campaign funds during the recent Area Council elections.
Nwigbo also accused Kingine of withdrawing office space previously provided to the party.
“Till date, the ADC FCT is still holding important strategic meetings under trees even when we have a sitting Senator,” the statement read.
Nwigbo wrote an open letter to the National Working Committee, titled “The Many Sins of Distinguished Senator Ireti and Why Her Suspension is Justifiable”.
He questioned Kingibe’s commitment to the party, alleging she failed to campaign openly during key elections in her constituency.
Silence from Senator Kingibe
Repeated calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages to Senator Kingibe for comment went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
The conflicting positions between the ward, the FCT chapter, and the national leadership expose deep divisions within the ADC.
Grassroots members accuse Kingibe of neglecting party responsibilities.
Meanwhile, national leaders insist that due process must be followed before any disciplinary action can be recognized.
With the 2027 elections looming, the dispute underscores the fragile state of opposition politics in the Federal Capital Territory.
It also raises questions about the ADC’s internal cohesion.
