By Vivian Okejeme
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, rejected a move to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in all activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following her alleged suspension from the party.
In an ex-parte application, leaders of the ADC in Wuse Ward of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) claimed that Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, was suspended on March 10, 2026, by her ward executives over allegations of anti-party activities and disregard for the party’s constitution.
Instead of granting the requested orders, the judge directed the ward leaders—who are purportedly loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike—to put the Senator on notice, requiring her to appear in court to respond to the grievances.
Justice Lifu held in his ruling that judicial discretion regarding requests to prohibit political figures from party activities must be exercised judicially and judiciously.
The court determined that justice would best be served by hearing the defendant’s side on the merits, alongside that of the plaintiffs.
Consequently, the judge ordered that Senator Kingibe be served with all court processes to ensure she is fully aware of the suit and can prepare her defense. The court fixed April 20, 2026, for the 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 ward members. Senator Kingibe is the sole defendant.
In the ex-parte application filed by their counsel, Kolawole Olowookere (SAN), the aggrieved ADC members sought an interim injunction to restrain Kingibe from parading herself as a member of the party, pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.
They further requested that the Senator be restrained from performing any functions, attending meetings, or participating in activities reserved for ADC members.
Additionally, the Ward Executive Committee requested that she be barred from interfering with the administration of the ward, including the management of the ward register.
The suit is predicated on five grounds, including allegations that Mrs. Kingibe was suspended due to anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and the purported confiscation of statutory ward records.
The plaintiffs argued that the suspension followed due process as enshrined in the ADC constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive committee members.
They averred that despite the formal communication of the suspension, Kingibe has continued to hold parallel meetings and issue press statements as an ADC member.
They further alleged that she has utilized her security details to intimidate the executive committee, stating: “Her actions constitute flagrant disregard for the internal mechanism of the party.”
Counsel to the Senator, Abubakar Marshall, announced in court that he had already filed a preliminary objection against the suit.
