The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused an application seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The court, however, directed the plaintiffs to formally notify the senator of the suit, giving her the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, April 2, Justice Peter Lifu declined an ex parte request filed by some ward leaders in Wuse, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who claimed the lawmaker had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.
The ward officials, who had reportedly aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, asked the court to restrain Kingibe from presenting herself as a party member or taking part in its activities.
Justice Lifu emphasised the need for caution in political matters, noting that the court must exercise its discretion carefully. He held that fairness would only be achieved if all parties were allowed to present their cases.
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The judge subsequently ordered that all relevant court documents be served on the senator to enable her to prepare her defence and respond accordingly. The matter was adjourned to April 20, 2026, for the hearing of pending applications.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was filed by Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel on behalf of themselves and other ward members, with Kingibe named as the sole defendant.
In their application, the plaintiffs argued that the senator was suspended on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward executive over alleged misconduct and violation of the party’s constitution.
They sought an interim injunction preventing her from attending party meetings, carrying out party functions, or representing the party in any capacity pending the determination of the case.
The plaintiffs also asked the court to restrain her from interfering in the ward’s administration, including its register and official activities.
They maintained that her suspension followed due process and was endorsed by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee. According to them, despite being notified, Kingibe continued to act as a party member, holding meetings, issuing statements, and allegedly using security aides to intimidate ward officials.
“Her actions constitute flagrant disregard for the internal mechanism of the party,” the plaintiffs stated.
Meanwhile, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who said he represents the senator, informed the court that a preliminary objection challenging the suit had already been filed and served on the plaintiffs’ counsel.
