A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress.
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling after ward leaders in Wuse sought an interim order against the senator. The applicants had asked the court to stop her from acting as a member of the party.
However, the judge declined the request and instead ordered that the senator be formally notified to appear in court.
Judge Insists on Fair Hearing
Justice Lifu stressed that such requests must be handled with caution. He explained that the court must hear both sides before making a final decision.
According to him, justice can only be served when the defendant has the opportunity to respond to the claims. Therefore, he directed the plaintiffs to serve all court documents on the senator.
The court fixed April 20, 2026, for both parties to appear and argue their case.
Plaintiffs Cite Suspension and Misconduct
The suit was filed by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel on behalf of Wuse Ward members.
They claimed that Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, over alleged anti-party activities and misconduct.
The plaintiffs argued that the suspension followed due process under the party’s constitution. They also said it received approval from a two-thirds majority of ward executives.
Allegations Against the Senator
According to the plaintiffs, the senator continued to act as a party member despite her suspension.
They alleged that she held parallel meetings and issued statements in the name of the party. They also accused her of interfering with ward administration and records.
In addition, they claimed she used security personnel to intimidate party officials.
Legal Battle Intensifies
The plaintiffs, through their lawyer Kolawole Olowookere, asked the court to restrain the senator from all party activities.
They wanted her stopped from attending meetings or representing the party in any capacity.
However, a lawyer representing the senator, Abubakar Marshall, said he has filed a preliminary objection.
He noted that the objection has already been served on the plaintiffs’ counsel.
The case will now proceed to a full hearing with both sides expected to present their arguments in court.
The outcome could determine whether the senator remains active within the party or faces restrictions.
For now, the court’s decision allows her to continue participating in party activities until the matter is fully resolved.
