…as the court refuses to make far-reaching orders without first hearing from all parties.
Abuja, Nigeria — The iNews Times | A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled in a politically sensitive matter after a court refuses bid by ward leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in party activities following her alleged suspension.
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, declined to grant an interim injunction sought by leaders of the ADC in Wuse Ward, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The plaintiffs had asked the court to restrain the senator from parading herself as a member of the party pending the determination of their substantive application.
Instead, the judge directed the ward executives to serve Senator Kingibe with all court processes, enabling her to appear before the court and respond to the allegations levelled against her.
The development marks a crucial moment in the dispute, as the court refuses to make far-reaching orders without first hearing from all parties involved.
Judge Emphasises Fair Hearing
In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that discretion in political matters, especially those seeking to prohibit a party member from engaging in party activities must be exercised judicially and judiciously.
He stressed that justice would only be achieved when both the plaintiffs and the defendant are heard on the merits of their arguments.
According to the judge, granting such an order without giving the defendant an opportunity to respond would offend the principles of fair hearing.
Consequently, the court fixed April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications in the suit.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was instituted by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel on behalf of themselves and other ward members. Senator Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, is the sole defendant in the matter.
Allegations Behind the Dispute
The plaintiffs, in their ex-parte application filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kolawole Olowookere, claimed that Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward Executive Committee.
They alleged that the suspension followed accusations of anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and disregard for the ADC constitution.
The ward executives argued that the disciplinary action was carried out in line with the party’s constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive committee.
In addition to seeking to restrain the senator from presenting herself as a party member, the plaintiffs asked the court to stop her from attending meetings, performing party-related functions, or representing the ADC in any capacity.
They further sought an order restraining her from interfering with the ward’s administration, including access to statutory records and the ward register.
According to the plaintiffs, despite being notified of her suspension, Kingibe allegedly continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as a member of the ADC, and use her security details in ways they described as intimidating toward the ward executive committee.
“Her actions constitute flagrant disregard for the internal mechanism of the party,” the plaintiffs stated in their filings.
However, with the court refuses request for an interim injunction, those allegations will now be tested in open court.
Defence Files Preliminary Objection
Meanwhile, Abubakar Marshall, who announced his appearance for Senator Kingibe, informed the court that a preliminary objection had been filed challenging the suit.
He said the objection was served on M.S. Garba, who represented the plaintiffs during Thursday’s proceedings.
Although details of the preliminary objection were not disclosed in court, such filings often challenge the competence of the suit, the jurisdiction of the court, or procedural compliance.
The objection could shape the direction of the case when proceedings resume in April.
Political and Legal Implications
The decision comes amid ongoing internal tensions within the ADC, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.
Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces the judiciary’s cautious approach in political matters, especially when asked to grant ex-parte orders that could significantly affect an elected official’s standing within a political party.
By declining the application and insisting on due process, the court signalled that party disputes must still conform to constitutional principles of natural justice.
For Senator Kingibe, the ruling offers temporary relief and preserves her ability to function within the party pending the determination of the substantive applications.
For the ward executives, the legal battle is far from over, as the merits of their suspension decision will be examined during the next hearing.
As the April 20 date approaches, the dispute is expected to draw attention within political circles in Abuja and beyond, given its potential implications for party discipline and internal governance.
The court refuses ruling may have halted immediate enforcement of the suspension, but the broader legal contest over the ADC’s internal processes is only just beginning.
The iNews Times will continue to monitor developments in the case and provide verified updates as proceedings unfold.
