The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday refused an application seeking to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress.
Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling, declined the request brought by some leaders of the party in Wuse Ward of the Federal Capital Territory, who had asked the court to bar the senator over her alleged suspension.
Rather than grant the relief, the judge directed the ward executives to formally notify the lawmaker of the suit and allow her respond to the allegations levelled against her.
The court held that requests seeking to prohibit a party member from political activities must be considered with caution, stressing that fairness demands that all parties be given the opportunity to present their cases.
Justice Lifu noted that justice could only be achieved when both the plaintiffs and the defendant are heard on the merits of the case.
Consequently, he ordered that all court processes be served on Kingibe to enable her prepare a defence.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter till April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was instituted by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel on behalf of themselves and other ward members, with Kingibe listed as the sole defendant.
In their ex parte motion filed through their counsel, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kolawole Olowookere, the plaintiffs claimed that the senator, who represents the FCT in the Senate, was suspended on March 10, 2026, over alleged anti-party activities and violation of the party’s constitution.
They urged the court to issue an interim injunction restraining her from presenting herself as a member of the party or participating in its affairs pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The plaintiffs also sought an order barring her from attending meetings, performing functions reserved for party members, or interfering in the administration of the ward.
According to them, the suspension was carried out in line with the ADC constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee.
They further alleged that despite being informed of her suspension, the senator continued to convene parallel meetings, issue statements as a party member, and allegedly used security operatives to intimidate ward officials.
The plaintiffs described her actions as a violation of the party’s internal processes.
Meanwhile, 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.