Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an ex parte application by leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Wuse Ward, FCT, seeking to restrict Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in party activities. The ruling addresses claims that the senator was suspended from the political organization over alleged constitutional violations and internal disputes.
Instead of granting the requested injunction, the court ordered the plaintiffs to formally serve all court processes on Kingibe. Justice Lifu stated that judicial discretion in political and party matters must be exercised carefully, emphasizing that a fair resolution requires both parties to present their cases. The judge mandated that the senator receive proper notice to prepare a response and appear in court to address the claims.
The case, recorded as FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was filed by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, representing themselves and other ward members. Through their legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kolawole Olowookere, the plaintiffs requested interim and interlocutory orders to prevent Kingibe from attending party meetings, acting as an ADC representative, or interfering with ward administration. They argued that Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, following allegations of anti-party conduct, gross misconduct, and the retention of statutory ward records. According to the ward executives, the suspension followed established party protocols and received ratification from two-thirds of the executive committee.
In response, the senator’s legal representative, Abubakar Marshall, confirmed that a preliminary objection has been filed challenging the suit. Marshall stated the objection was formally served on M.S. Garba, representing the plaintiffs, during the recent court sitting.
Justice Lifu scheduled the matter for April 20, 2026, to consider all pending applications and the defense’s preliminary objection. The proceeding will focus on whether the court will address the request for restrictive orders or first resolve the jurisdictional challenge raised by the defendant.
