The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined an ex parte application seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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Delivering the ruling, Justice Peter Lifu refused the in a ruling, brought by some ward leaders from Wuse in the Federal Capital Territory, who alleged that the lawmaker had been suspended over anti-party activities.
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Rather than grant the request, the court directed the plaintiffs to put the senator on notice, ensuring she is given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and defend herself in line with principles of fair hearing.
The ward leaders, reportedly loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had approached the court seeking an interim injunction restraining Kingibe from parading herself as a member of the ADC and from participating in any party-related activities.
However, Justice Lifu held that the court must exercise its discretion carefully, particularly in political matters, stressing that justice can only be achieved when all parties are heard.
He subsequently ordered that all court processes be served on the senator to enable her to prepare her defence. The matter was adjourned until April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all 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 listed as the sole defendant.
In their application, the plaintiffs claimed that the senator was suspended on March 10, 2026, by Wuse Ward executives over alleged anti-party activities and violations of the party’s constitution. They argued that her suspension followed due process and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee.
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The plaintiffs further alleged that despite her suspension, Kingibe continued to act as a party member by holding parallel meetings, issuing statements, and allegedly using security aides to intimidate ward officials.
They sought an order restraining her from attending meetings, performing party functions, or interfering in ward administration, including access to official records.
Meanwhile, a lawyer representing the senator, Abubakar Marshall, informed the court that a preliminary objection challenging the suit had already been filed and served on the plaintiffs’ counsel.
The case adds to the ongoing internal disputes within the ADC, highlighting tensions over party discipline, leadership authority and legal interpretations of internal processes.
