April 02, (THEWILL) — The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday declined to grant an interim order seeking to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from participating in activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a decision that emphasized the need for fair hearing in the ongoing political dispute.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, the court rejected an ex parte application filed by some ADC ward leaders in Wuse Ward of the FCT, who alleged that the senator had been suspended from the party and should therefore be barred from further participation in its affairs.
Justice Lifu held that while the court has the discretionary power to grant interim orders, such power must be exercised judiciously and in line with the principles of justice.
He ruled that the circumstances of the case required that all parties be heard before any restrictive order could be made.
According to the court, the interest of justice would be better served by allowing the defendant to respond to the allegations before any binding interim relief is considered. The judge subsequently ordered that Senator Kingibe be put on notice and served with all relevant court processes.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was instituted by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, who claimed to be acting on behalf of ADC ward members in Wuse Ward, Abuja.
The plaintiffs told the court that Senator Kingibe was suspended on March 10 by the ward executive committee over alleged anti-party activities and violations of the party’s constitution.
They maintained that the suspension followed due process and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executives.
They further urged the court to restrain the senator from parading herself as an ADC member, attending party meetings, or performing any functions reserved for members of the party pending the determination of the substantive motion.
The plaintiffs also sought orders restraining her from interfering with the administration of the ward, the party register, and other internal structures of the ADC in the FCT.
They alleged that despite being notified of her suspension, Senator Kingibe had continued to engage in party activities, hold parallel meetings, issue statements as an ADC member, and use her position to undermine the ward leadership.
Meanwhile, counsel to the defendant, Marshall Abubakar, informed the court that a preliminary objection had already been filed challenging the competence of the suit and served on the plaintiffs.
Justice Lifu adjourned the matter until April 20 for the hearing of the motion, where both parties are expected to present their arguments.
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