Court summons Speaker Abbas, others over ‘plot’ to remove Wike’s ally as Minority Leader

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the National Assembly, and nine others to appear before it within 30 days over a suit filed by Minority Leader  Kingsley Chinda, who is seeking to stop an alleged plan to remove him from his position.

The summons, dated September 16, 2025, and issued by Dr. J.Y. Musa (SAN) of J.Y. Musa & Co., counsel to the plaintiff, indicates that there are moves to oust Chinda due to his perceived closeness to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The document reads: “You are hereby commanded that within thirty days (30) after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in an action at the suit of Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda and TAKE NOTICE that in default of your so doing, the plaintiff may proceed therein and judgment may be given in your absence…”

The defendants named in the case include the Speaker, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and several opposition parties.

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In his claim, Chinda is seeking several declarations and injunctions, including a pronouncement that any attempt to remove him based on his association with Wike violates his constitutional right to freedom of association under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He also contends that any move to unseat him without following Order 7 Rule 14 of the House Standing Orders would be unlawful and undemocratic.

Part of the writ reads: “A DECLARATION that the move to remove the Plaintiff from his position as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives… is a clear violation of the Plaintiff’s right to Freedom of Association…”

Chinda further sought an injunction restraining the defendants “from further proceeding with any act or exercise purportedly aimed at removing the Plaintiff… in violation of the sacred provisions of the Constitution.”

He also prayed the court to bar the Speaker and other House officials from enforcing any decision purporting to remove him from office without following due process.

In a Motion Ex Parte dated September 15 and filed the following day, the court granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants from taking any steps to remove Chinda until the main suit is heard and determined.

The court stated: “It is my considered firm opinion that in order to ensure all the parties listed in these processes have equal playing ground… it is hereby ordered as follows: that the Applicant SHALL forthwith serve on all the Defendants / Respondents the Motion on Notice…”

It added that the case would be “expediently resolved on its merit by this Honourable Court for the attainment of justice in this matter.”

An interlocutory injunction was also issued, halting any attempt to remove Chinda pending the determination of the substantive case.

The judge cited Order 7 Rule 14 of the House Standing Orders, which stipulates that any change in minority leadership must come from the majority of members of the minority parties after due notice is given to the House.

According to the court, “The House is in recess and the Majority of the Members of the Minority Parties in the House have travelled… In a gross contrast to the Standing Orders… there is a serious threat/plan by some members… to remove the Plaintiff from his position as the Minority Leader of the House for no genuine reason.”

The document also alleged that the only reason for the planned removal is Chinda’s relationship with Wike, insisting that such action would violate his constitutional right of association.

“The Plaintiff is a member representing the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, in the House of Representatives… Section 40 of the Constitution… gives the Plaintiff right to associate freely with whoever he wishes,” it added.

Chinda urged the court to intervene to protect his position, arguing that by the time the 30-day window for the defendants’ response elapses, the minority caucus might have executed his removal.

Reacting to the development, Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, said the Green Chamber remains guided by constitutional principles and the rule of law.

“The 10th House of Representatives is steadfastly committed to the principles of constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The Rt. Hon. Speaker, with his characteristic wisdom and leadership, will engage all relevant parties to ensure a just and amicable resolution to the matter in line with our democratic values,” he stated.

Agbese added that further updates would be provided through official House communication channels.

(LEADERSHIP)