Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the bid of the leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Wuse Ward of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in all activities of the party.
The judge rather ordered the ward leaders, alleged to be loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to put the senator on notice to appear in court to join issues with them on their grievances.
In a ruling, Justice Lifu held that discretion in such a request for prohibition from party activities and in political matters must be exercised judicially and judiciously.
The judge said justice would be met in the case of the plaintiffs only when the side of the defendant is heard on its merit, along with that of the plaintiffs.
Consequently, the judge ordered that Senator Kingibe should be served with all court processes by the plaintiffs to enable her to become aware of the suit and to prepare her defence.
The judge fixed April 20, 2026, for the plaintiffs and the serving senator to appear before him for a hearing of all applications in the matter.
In their ex parte application, Kingibe, was said to have been suspended on March 10, 2026, by her Wuse Ward executives following allegations of anti-party activities and disregard of the constitution of the ADC.
The aggrieved ADC members in Wuse Ward applied for an order of interim injunction restraining Kingibe from parading herself as a member of the party, pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
They also asked the judge to restrain the senator from performing any function, attending meetings, or performing activities reserved for ADC members or representing the party in any activities.
