ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday refused an application seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress, insisting that she must first be given a fair hearing.
Justice Peter Lifu, in his ruling, declined the ex parte request filed by some ward leaders in Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, who claimed the lawmaker had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.
Instead, the court directed the plaintiffs to put the senator on notice to enable her respond to the allegations and defend herself.
The ward leaders, reportedly loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had asked the court to restrain Kingibe from parading herself as a member of the party and from taking part in its affairs.
Ruling on the application, Justice Lifu held that the court must exercise its discretion carefully, particularly in political matters, stressing that justice can only be achieved when both sides are heard.
He consequently ordered that all court processes be served on Kingibe and adjourned the case until April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was filed by Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel on behalf of themselves and other ward members, with Kingibe listed as the sole defendant.
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In their application, the plaintiffs claimed that the senator, who represents the FCT, 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 restraining her from attending meetings, performing party functions, or representing the ADC in any capacity pending the determination of the substantive motion.
The plaintiffs also accused her of interfering in ward administration, including its register and official activities, and alleged that her suspension followed due process, having been ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee.
According to them, despite being notified of the suspension, Kingibe continued to hold parallel meetings, issue statements as a party member, and allegedly used security aides to intimidate ward executives.
“Her actions constitute flagrant disregard for the internal mechanism of the party,” the plaintiffs stated.
Meanwhile, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who said he represents the senator, informed the court that a preliminary objection challenging the suit had already been filed and served on counsel to the plaintiffs.
The ruling marks the latest twist in the internal crisis within the ADC, with the court signalling that due process and fair hearing will be central in resolving the dispute.