By Yemi Oyeyemi
A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an application seeking to bar Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following her alleged suspension by party officials in Wuse Ward of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the request to restrain the senator from party activities could not be granted without first hearing her side of the dispute. The court instead directed the plaintiffs to formally notify the senator of the suit and allow her to respond to the allegations.
The judge emphasised that judicial discretion in political matters must be exercised “judicially and judiciously,” noting that fairness requires both parties to be heard before any determination is made.
Consequently, the court ordered that all relevant processes be served on Kingibe to enable her prepare a defence. The matter was adjourned to April 20, 2026, for hearing of all pending applications.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was filed by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel on behalf of themselves and other Wuse Ward members of the ADC, with Kingibe listed as the sole defendant.
According to the plaintiffs, the senator – who represents the FCT in the Senate – was suspended on March 10, 2026, by ward executives over allegations of anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and disregard for the party’s constitution.
Through their counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kolawole Olowookere, the plaintiffs had sought an interim injunction restraining Kingibe from presenting herself as a member of the party pending determination of their substantive application. They also asked the court to bar her from attending party meetings, performing party-related functions, or interfering in ward administration.
The plaintiffs further claimed that the suspension followed due process in line with the ADC constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee. They alleged that despite being notified, Kingibe continued to hold parallel meetings, issue statements as a party member, and interfere with ward activities.
In response, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who appeared in court claiming to represent the senator, informed the court that a preliminary objection challenging the suit had been filed and served on the plaintiffs’ counsel.
