Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has rejected an application seeking to bar Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The application was filed by leaders of the party in Wuse Ward of the Federal Capital Territory, who alleged that the senator had been suspended over anti-party activities.

In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Lifu declined the request for an interim injunction, holding that such discretion in political matters must be exercised judicially and judiciously.

Instead, the court directed the plaintiffs—ward leaders said to be loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike—to put the senator on notice to enable her respond to the allegations.

The judge emphasised that justice would only be served when both parties are heard on the merits of the case.

He subsequently ordered that all court processes be served on Kingibe to allow her prepare her defence and participate fully in the proceedings.

The matter was adjourned to April 20, 2026, for hearing.

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, with Kingibe as the sole defendant.

The plaintiffs, through their counsel Kolawole Olowookere (SAN), had sought an order restraining the senator from parading herself as a member of the party or participating in its activities pending the determination of the substantive suit.

They also asked the court to bar her from attending meetings, performing party functions, or interfering with the administration of the ward.

According to the plaintiffs, Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, over alleged anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and confiscation of ward records, claims they said followed due process under the party’s constitution.

However, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who appeared for the senator, informed the court that a preliminary objection had already been filed challenging the suit.