A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application seeking to stop Ireti Kingibe from participating in activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, declined to grant the ex-parte request filed by some ward executives of the party in Wuse, noting that such decisions must be made after hearing from all parties involved.
Instead, the court directed the plaintiffs to formally notify the senator and serve her all court processes to enable her respond to the allegations against her.
The suit was filed by ward members, including Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, who accused Kingibe of anti-party activities, misconduct, and interference in party administration. They also claimed she had been suspended by the ward executives on March 10, 2026.
The plaintiffs had sought an interim injunction to restrain the senator from presenting herself as a member of the ADC or participating in any party-related functions pending the determination of the case.
However, Justice Lifu held that justice requires hearing both sides before granting such relief, especially in political matters.
The court has fixed April 20, 2026, for hearing, where both parties are expected to present their arguments.
Meanwhile, a legal representative of the senator indicated that a preliminary objection has already been filed, challenging the suit.
The ruling marks another development in the ongoing internal disputes within the ADC, as legal battles and factional tensions continue to shape the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
