Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a legal bid by certain leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from party activities. The plaintiffs, representing the Wuse Ward of the Federal Capital Territory, sought an interim injunction following the senator’s alleged suspension from the party on March 10, 2026. In his ruling on Thursday, the judge maintained that the court must exercise its discretion in political matters with extreme caution and judicial balance.
The court declined the request to immediately restrain the lawmaker, who represents the FCT in the Senate, from parading herself as a party member. Instead, Justice Lifu ordered the aggrieved ward leaders to formally put the senator on notice, allowing her the opportunity to appear and defend herself against the allegations. This decision ensures that both sides of the dispute are heard before any far-reaching orders are issued regarding the senator’s political status.
Demanding a fair hearing for the FCT senator
Justice Lifu emphasized that the principles of natural justice require that a defendant be heard on the merits of a case before a court can grant a request for prohibition. He stated that in sensitive political matters, the court’s discretion must be exercised both judicially and judiciously to avoid any miscarriage of justice. Consequently, the plaintiffs were directed to serve Senator Kingibe with all relevant court processes to ensure she is fully aware of the ongoing litigation.
The legal challenge was initiated by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, who sued on behalf of the Wuse Ward executive committee. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, lists Kingibe as the sole defendant. The plaintiffs’ primary goal is to have the court affirm her suspension and prevent her from representing the ADC in any official capacity at the National Assembly or elsewhere.
Allegations of anti-party activities and misconduct
In their ex-parte application filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kolawole Olowookere, the ward leaders alleged that Kingibe was suspended for gross misconduct and a flagrant disregard for the party’s constitution. They claimed that the senator had been involved in “anti-party activities” and had gone as far as confiscating statutory ward records. According to the plaintiffs, the suspension followed due process and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the executive committee members.
The aggrieved members further averred that despite being formally notified of her suspension, the senator has continued to hold parallel meetings and issue press statements as an ADC member. They also accused her of using security details to intimidate the ward executive committee during their administrative duties. These actions, they argued, constitute a direct challenge to the internal disciplinary mechanisms of the African Democratic Congress.
The political battle for the soul of the FCT
The legal tussle is widely seen as a reflection of the deepening political rift within the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 elections. Observers note that the plaintiffs are reportedly loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who has had a public and long-standing disagreement with Senator Kingibe. The Minister has previously vowed that the senator would not return to her seat in the next election cycle, citing a lack of visible projects for the territory’s residents.
Senator Kingibe, who recently moved from the Labour Party to the ADC, has dismissed these threats, stating that the residents of the FCT are independent voters who cannot be intimidated. Her legal team, led by Abubakar Marshall, has already signaled a strong defense by filing a preliminary objection against the suit. The court has now fixed April 20, 2026, for a hearing on all pending applications, setting the stage for a major legal showdown in the nation’s capital.
