The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended three ward executives from Wuse Ward in Abuja, citing their unauthorised suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe, the party’s representative in the Senate.
The action, announced at a meeting of the party’s FCT leadership, targets Ward Chairman Kanayo Chukwu, Amanda Pam, and Omale Suleiman. The national leadership had previously distanced itself from Kingibe’s suspension, stating it violated party constitution and due process.
According to Emmanuel Destiny, a member of the ADC National Working Committee, the decision to suspend a serving senator lacked legitimacy as no formal complaint was lodged with the national body. “You cannot simply wake up and suspend a serving senator without submitting your grievances or petition in writing,” he said, adding that the party would not tolerate misconduct by unrecognised officials.
Princess Nneka Nneboh, the Deputy National Auditor, stated the leadership could no longer remain silent after urging proper procedures. “Enough is enough,” she declared. FCT Secretary John Hyginus criticised administrative lapses and a “gross breach of the party’s constitution” by state officials, noting a vote of no confidence had been passed against the three individuals by ward and area council chairmen.
The controversy began earlier in the week when Wuse Ward officials announced Kingibe’s suspension over alleged anti-party activities, insubordination, and withholding of campaign funds for recent area council elections. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, promptly described that report as “false and misleading.”
The motion to suspend the three executives was moved by party chieftain Danlami Zuru and seconded by Samuel Dimgba. In a separate letter, the ward publicity secretary, Samuel Nwigbo, questioned the party’s electoral strategy if a candidate failed to campaign in her own constituency.
The internal conflict highlights a significant power struggle within the ADC’s FCT structure, occurring under the national leadership’s explicit assertion of authority. The party has emphasised that all disciplinary actions must align with constitutional channels, a stance that will likely shape its cohesion ahead of future elections in the nation’s capital.
