The court rejected an application by Wike loyalists to bar Sen Kingibe from the ADC

An ex-parte application filed by some leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the party’s activities was on Thursday rejected by the Abuja Federal High Court.

The presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, rejected a request by party leaders in Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, who alleged that the senator had been suspended for anti-party activities.

Instead, the court directed the plaintiff to notify the lawmaker so he could respond to the allegations and participate in the matter.

Ward leaders, who are said to be loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, have approached the court to bar Kingibe from parading himself as a member of the party and participating in its activities.

In ruling on the petition, Judge Lifu argued that the court must use its discretion juridically and wisely, especially in political matters.

He stated that justice would only be served if both parties were given the opportunity to present their cases on the merits.

Therefore, the judge ordered that all court proceedings be handed over to the senator so that he could prepare his defense.

He adjourned the matter to April 20, 2026, to hear all pending appeals.

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The plaintiffs, Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel, filed the lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026 on behalf of themselves and other ward members, with Kingibe listed as the sole defendant.

In their ex parte application, the plaintiffs claim that the senator, who represents the FCT in the Senate, was dismissed on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse County leadership for alleged anti-party activities and disregard for the party constitution.

Specifically, they sought an order prohibiting him from attending meetings, carrying out functions reserved for party members, or representing the party in any capacity.

They also prayed to the court that he not interfere in the administration of the ward, including record keeping and other official activities.

The plaintiffs based their lawsuit on five grounds, including allegations of gross violations and seizure of environmental records.

According to them, despite being informed of the suspension, Kingibe continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as a party member and allegedly used security assistants to intimidate neighborhood executives.

“His actions constitute a flagrant disregard for the party’s internal mechanisms,” the plaintiffs said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Abubakar Marshall, who claims to represent the senator, informed the court that he had filed preliminary objections to the lawsuit.

He added that objections had been raised with MS Garba, who appeared on behalf of the plaintiff in Thursday’s hearing.