RismadarVoice Reporters, April 2, 2026
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday refused an ex parte application seeking to bar the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the matter, declined to grant the interim reliefs sought by some ward leaders from Wuse, Abuja, who claimed the lawmaker had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.
Instead, the court directed the plaintiffs to put the senator on notice and allow her the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was filed by Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel on behalf of themselves and other ward members. Kingibe is listed as the sole defendant.
The plaintiffs had approached the court seeking an interim injunction restraining the senator from parading herself as a member of the ADC and from participating in its activities pending the determination of a motion on notice.
They specifically asked the court to bar her from attending party meetings, performing functions reserved for members, and representing the party in any capacity. They also sought to restrain her from interfering in the administration of the ward, including its register and official activities.
In their application, the ward leaders alleged that Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward executive over alleged misconduct and disregard for the party’s constitution. They claimed the suspension followed due process and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee.
The plaintiffs further accused the senator of continuing to hold parallel meetings, issuing statements as a party member, and allegedly using security aides to intimidate ward officials despite her suspension.
However, ruling on the application, Justice Lifu held that the court must exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously, particularly in political matters, stressing that justice would be better served if all parties were heard.
Consequently, he ordered that all court processes be served on Kingibe to enable her prepare her defence.
Meanwhile, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who said he represents the senator, informed the court that he had filed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit. He added that the objection had already been served on counsel to the plaintiffs, M. S. Garba.
The court adjourned the matter until April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
