The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday rejected an ex parte application seeking to prevent Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Peter Lifu dismissed the request brought by some ward leaders from Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, who claimed that Kingibe had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities. Instead, the court instructed the plaintiffs to formally notify the senator so she could respond to the allegations and defend her position.
The ward leaders, reportedly loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had asked the court to bar Kingibe from presenting herself as a party member or engaging in its activities.
In his ruling, Justice Lifu emphasized the need for the court to exercise discretion judiciously, particularly in political matters. He noted that justice would be served only if both parties were allowed to present their arguments.
The judge ordered that all court documents be served on Kingibe to enable her to prepare a defense and adjourned the matter to April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
The plaintiffs, Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel, filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, on behalf of themselves and other ward members, naming Kingibe as the sole defendant. They had claimed that the senator, representing the FCT in the Senate, was suspended on March 10, 2026, by Wuse Ward executives for alleged anti-party activities and ignoring the party’s constitution. They sought an interim injunction to bar her from acting as a party member pending a full hearing.
