Kingibe ADC court ruling sees Abuja court reject bid to bar senator, ordering plaintiffs to notify her over suspension claims
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, on Thursday declined an ex parte application seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress.
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In a ruling delivered in Abuja, Justice Lifu refused the request filed by ward leaders of the party in Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, who alleged that the senator had been suspended over anti-party activities.
Instead, the court directed the plaintiffs to place the lawmaker on notice to enable her to respond to the allegations and fully present her defence.
The Kingibe ADC court ruling marks a critical procedural step, with the judge emphasising that judicial discretion must be exercised carefully, especially in politically sensitive matters.
He held that justice would only be served if all parties were given equal opportunity to be heard.
The plaintiffs, identified as Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel, had approached the court to restrain Kingibe from parading herself as a member of the party and from participating in its activities.
The ward leaders are said to be loyal to Nyesom Wike.
In their ex parte motion, they claimed that Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, by Wuse Ward executives for alleged misconduct and disregard for the party’s constitution.
They sought an interim injunction barring her from attending meetings, representing the party, or interfering in ward administration.
The plaintiffs further alleged that despite the suspension, the senator continued to hold parallel meetings, issue statements as a party member, and intimidate ward officials.
They maintained that the disciplinary action followed due process and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee.
However, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who said he represents Kingibe, informed the court that a preliminary objection challenging the suit had already been filed and served on the plaintiffs’ counsel.
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Justice Lifu subsequently ordered that all court processes be served on the senator and adjourned the matter until April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
