Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, has alleged that she and several officials of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were assaulted by suspected hoodlums during the party’s National Assembly primary exercise held in Abuja.
Speaking through a statement published on her Facebook account on Sunday, the lawmaker described the development as a carefully organised act of intimidation aimed at disrupting the electoral process within the party.
Kingibe explained that the incident occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the ADC state office situated in the Gudu area of Abuja, where party stakeholders had gathered to supervise the sharing of electoral materials ahead of the primaries.
According to her account, the process was moving smoothly until a man identified as Tijani Mubarak allegedly arrived at the venue accompanied by several associates. She claimed that tension immediately arose after his arrival due to his alleged unruly behaviour toward members of the organising committee.
The senator stated that one of the party officials questioned Mubarak about several calls reportedly made earlier concerning the exercise. She alleged that the exchange soon became heated, leading to open confrontation inside the secretariat.
She further claimed that the situation deteriorated after the chairman of the electoral committee challenged Mubarak over his conduct. According to Kingibe, the man allegedly attacked the official physically during the disagreement.
The FCT senator also accused the group of assaulting a female aspirant who attempted to capture the disturbance on her mobile phone. She said the woman was allegedly harassed while her device was forcefully collected in the middle of the chaos.
Kingibe maintained that she was equally targeted during the disruption. She alleged that one of the men accompanying Mubarak violently shoved her against a wall, causing injuries to her head.
The lawmaker added that the suspected attackers allegedly locked party members and officials inside the building during the commotion, preventing them from leaving the premises. She said the situation only changed after supporters outside intervened and forced their way into the office to rescue those trapped inside.
Following the incident, Kingibe disclosed that she was taken to a medical facility after experiencing dizziness, severe headaches, and blurred eyesight. She stated that doctors later confirmed she had suffered head injuries from the alleged assault.
She noted that the matter has been formally reported to both the national leadership of the ADC and the Apo Police Division in Abuja for investigation.
The senator called on security authorities to immediately apprehend everyone linked to the attack, insisting that political violence should never be tolerated in a democratic environment.
She also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in the FCT to ensure a thorough investigation and speedy prosecution of all individuals allegedly connected to the disturbance.
Kingibe further criticised the persistent intimidation faced by women participating in politics, arguing that female politicians and aspirants continue to encounter unnecessary hostility and aggression during political activities.
Despite the incident, she insisted that she remains determined and will not be discouraged by threats or violence, while reaffirming her commitment to democracy and peaceful political participation.
