Kingibe Details Alleged Attack, Brief Detention At ADC Primary Venue

Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has alleged that she was assaulted and briefly held hostage by suspected political thugs during a disruption at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Gudu, Abuja.

In a statement on Saturday, May 23, 2026, Kingibe said the incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, while she was monitoring the distribution of materials for the ADC National Assembly primary elections at the secretariat. 

She said the exercise was initially peaceful, with committee members, party officials and House of Representatives aspirants present, before it turned violent.

According to her, the disruption began when a man identified as Tijani Mubarak arrived with four others and confronted the chairman of the primary election committee, Abubakar Adams Chika. 

Kingibe alleged that Mubarak became aggressive and slapped the committee chairman following a disagreement over conduct at the venue. 

She further alleged that a female aspirant was attacked while attempting to record the incident, saying she was manhandled and injured as her phone was seized.

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The senator also claimed she was assaulted during the chaos, pushed against a wall and struck on the head. 

She said the attackers allegedly locked the doors, trapping occupants until supporters forced entry, after which the suspects fled. 

Kingibe described the incident as a coordinated attempt to disrupt the exercise and intimidate participants.

She said the matter had been reported to the ADC leadership and the Apo Police Station in Abuja. 

The senator added that she later sought medical attention at Wuse General Hospital after developing severe headaches and blurred vision, where she was diagnosed with head trauma.

Kingibe called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved, urging the Inspector-General of Police and FCT Commissioner of Police to act swiftly. 

She also condemned violence against women in politics, insisting the attack must not go unpunished.