ABUJA* – The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined an ex parte application seeking to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Justice Peter Lifu refused the request filed by some ward leaders of the ADC in Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, who alleged that the senator had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.

Instead, the court directed the plaintiffs to put Senator Kingibe on notice so she can respond to the allegations and join issues with them.

The ward leaders, said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had approached the court seeking an interim injunction to prevent Senator Kingibe from parading herself as a member of the ADC or participating in its activities.

Ruling on the application, Justice Lifu held that the court must exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously, especially in political matters.

He stressed that justice would be better served if both parties are given the opportunity to present their cases on merit.

The judge therefore ordered that all court processes be served on the senator to enable her to prepare her defence.

Justice Lifu adjourned the matter to *April 20, 2026*, for the hearing of all pending applications.

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

In their ex parte application, the plaintiffs claimed that Senator Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward executives for alleged anti-party activities and disregard for the party’s constitution.

They prayed the court for an order restraining her from attending meetings, performing functions reserved for party members, or representing the party in any capacity pending the determination of the substantive suit.

They also sought to restrain her from interfering in the administration of the ward, including its register and other official activities.

The plaintiffs anchored their case on five grounds, including allegations of gross misconduct and confiscation of ward records. They argued that her suspension followed due process and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee.

According to them, despite being notified of the suspension, Senator Kingibe continued to hold parallel meetings and issue press statements as a party member, while allegedly using security aides to intimidate ward executives.

A lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who claimed to represent Senator Kingibe, informed the court that he had filed a preliminary objection challenging the suit, which had been served on the plaintiffs’ counsel, M. S. Garba.