A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the affairs of the African Democratic Congress.
The trial judge, Peter Lifu, dismissed the ex-parte request filed by some ward leaders in Wuse, Abuja, who claimed the senator had been suspended from the party.
Instead of granting the reliefs sought, the court directed the applicants to formally notify the lawmaker to enable her respond to the allegations levelled against her.
The judge held that such requests, particularly those relating to political participation, must be handled with caution and fairness, stressing that both parties must be heard.
He noted that justice would only be served when the defendant is given the opportunity to present her case alongside that of the plaintiffs.
Consequently, the court ordered that all processes in the suit be served on Kingibe to allow her prepare her defence.
The matter was adjourned to April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
The suit was instituted by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel on behalf of Wuse Ward members, who alleged that the senator was suspended over anti-party activities and misconduct, claims her legal representative, Abubakar Marshall, has already challenged before the court.
