Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an attempt by leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Wuse Ward, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to prevent Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the party’s activities following her alleged suspension.
Instead, the judge directed the ward leaders, reportedly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to formally serve the senator with notice to appear in court and respond to their grievances.
In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Lifu emphasized that requests to bar individuals from party activities, particularly in political matters, must be exercised judiciously and with proper judicial discretion. He noted that justice for the plaintiffs can only be achieved once the defendant’s side is heard on the merits of the case.
Accordingly, the judge ordered that Senator Kingibe be served with all court processes to ensure she is aware of the suit and can prepare her defense. The matter has been scheduled for April 20, 2026, when both the plaintiffs and the senator are expected to appear for the hearing of all applications.
The suit, filed under FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, names Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel as plaintiffs on behalf of themselves and other ward members, while Senator Kingibe is the sole defendant.
In their ex-parte application, the plaintiffs claimed that Kingibe, representing the FCT in the Senate, was suspended on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward executives over alleged anti-party activities and disregard for the ADC constitution. The application, filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kolawole Olowookere on their behalf, sought an interim injunction restraining the senator from presenting herself as a party member, attending meetings, performing party functions, or representing ADC in any capacity pending the determination of their interlocutory motion.
The Ward Executive Committee also requested that Kingibe be barred from interfering with ward administration, the ward register, and other related activities.
The plaintiffs based their suit on five grounds, including allegations of anti-party conduct, gross misconduct, and confiscation of ward statutory records. They claimed that her suspension followed due process as outlined in the ADC constitution and ratified by a two-thirds majority of the EXCO members.
Despite being notified of the suspension, the plaintiffs argued that Kingibe continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as an ADC member, and use her security details to intimidate the executive committee, actions they described as a “flagrant disregard for the internal mechanisms of the party.”
Meanwhile, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, claiming to represent the senator, announced that a preliminary objection had been filed against the suit. He stated that the objection was served on M. S. Garba, who represented the plaintiffs during Thursday’s proceedings.