The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declined an application seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the matter, rejected the ex parte motion filed by some leaders of the party in Wuse Ward, Federal Capital Territory, who alleged that the senator had been suspended over anti-party activities.
Rather than grant the request, the court directed the ward executives—reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—to serve the senator with all relevant court processes to enable her respond to the allegations.
Justice Lifu emphasised the need for caution in handling such political matters, stating that requests seeking to prohibit a party member from participating in political activities must be exercised “judicially and judiciously.”
He further noted that fairness requires that all parties be given the opportunity to be heard before any decision is taken, stressing that justice can only be achieved when both sides present their cases.
The court subsequently ordered that all necessary documents be served on Kingibe to allow her prepare her defence and adjourned the matter to April 20, 2026, for the hearing of pending applications.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was instituted by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel on behalf of themselves and other ward members.
In their application, filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kolawole Olowookere, the plaintiffs sought an interim injunction restraining the senator from parading herself as a member of the ADC, attending party meetings, or performing functions reserved for party members pending the determination of the case.
They also urged the court to bar her from interfering in the administration of the ward and its records.
The plaintiffs claimed that Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward Executive Committee following allegations of anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and the confiscation of statutory ward records.
According to them, the suspension was carried out in line with the party’s constitution and ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive members.
They further alleged that despite being notified of her suspension, the senator continued to hold parallel meetings, issue statements as a party member, and intimidate ward executives with the use of security personnel.
However, counsel to the senator, Abubakar Marshall, informed the court that a preliminary objection had already been filed challenging the suit, noting that the plaintiffs’ counsel had been duly served.
The case is expected to proceed to full hearing as both parties prepare for a legal showdown.
