Sen. Kingibe wins court nod to remain active in ADC

A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an attempt to stop Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the affairs of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Justice Peter Lifu, in a ruling on Thursday, declined an ex parte application filed by some ward leaders in Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, who claimed the senator had been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.

Rather than grant the request, the court directed the plaintiffs to put Kingibe on notice to enable her respond to the allegations.

The ward leaders, said to be loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had asked the court to restrain the lawmaker from parading herself as a member of the party or taking part in its activities.

But Justice Lifu held that such matters must be handled with fairness, stressing that both parties must be heard before any decision is taken.

He ruled that justice would only be served if the senator is given the opportunity to defend herself on the merit of the case.

The judge subsequently ordered that all court processes be served on Kingibe and adjourned the matter till April 20, 2026, for hearing.

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 Kingibe listed as the sole defendant.

The plaintiffs alleged that the senator was suspended on March 10, 2026, by Wuse Ward executives for anti-party activities, gross misconduct and alleged interference in ward administration.

They also accused her of holding parallel meetings and issuing statements as a party member despite the suspension.

Meanwhile, a lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who appeared for the senator, told the court that a preliminary objection has been filed challenging the suit, signalling a legal battle ahead.