- Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an ex parte application seeking to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in African Democratic Congress (ADC) activities.
- Ward leaders from Wuse, allegedly loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, sought the injunction following the Senator’s purported suspension on March 10, 2026.
- The court has ordered that Senator Kingibe be officially put on notice to allow her to defend herself against allegations of anti-party activities, with the case adjourned until April 20, 2026.
A legal attempt to sideline the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, from her party has suffered a setback at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a ruling delivered on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the court refused a request by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to bar the lawmaker from parading herself as a member or attending party functions.
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The plaintiffs, Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel, acting on behalf of ward members in Wuse, claimed that Kingibe was suspended last month for “gross misconduct” and disregard for the party’s constitution.
They alleged that despite her suspension, the Senator continued to hold parallel meetings and used security aides to intimidate party executives.
Justice Peter Lifu, however, emphasized that the court must exercise its discretion “judicially and judiciously,” particularly in sensitive political matters.
Instead of granting the immediate restraining order requested by the plaintiffs, the judge ruled that justice would only be served if Senator Kingibe was given a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations.
“Justice would only be served if both parties were given the opportunity to present their cases on merit,” Justice Lifu stated. Consequently, he ordered that all court processes be served on the Senator to enable her to prepare a formal defense.
The suit has highlighted deepening fractures within the FCT political landscape.
The plaintiffs are reportedly loyalists of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whose relationship with Senator Kingibe has been marked by public friction over the administration and representation of the nation’s capital.
Representing the Senator, lawyer Abubakar Marshall informed the court that a preliminary objection has already been filed to challenge the suit.
The legal battle is set to resume on April 20, when the court will hear all pending applications regarding the Senator’s status within the ADC.
