BREAKING: Court Rejects Bid To Bar Kingibe From ADC

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to restrain Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe from participating in the leadership and activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a judgment delivered on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the presiding judge ruled that the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient legal grounds to justify the exclusion of the veteran politician from the party's internal processes.

The suit, filed by a faction within the party, had alleged that Kingibe’s involvement violated certain provisions of the party’s constitution regarding membership eligibility and previous political affiliations. The plaintiffs sought an order of perpetual injunction to bar him from holding any official position or representing the party in any capacity. However, the court held that the issues raised were internal party affairs and that the court would not interfere in the domestic "political thicket" unless there was a clear breach of the 1999 Constitution or the Electoral Act.

Reacting to the judgment, legal counsel for the ADC described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. They noted that the decision would allow the party to focus on its reconciliation efforts and prepare for upcoming electoral challenges without the distraction of "frivolous" litigation. Supporters of Ambassador Kingibe, who converged outside the court premises, hailed the verdict as a vindication of his right to political association.

This ruling comes amidst a broader leadership tussle within the ADC, which has seen various factions competing for control of the party’s structure. Political analysts suggest that the court's refusal to bar Kingibe may shift the power dynamics within the party as it navigates its current internal crisis. The plaintiffs have yet to indicate whether they intend to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal.