Court Deals Blow To Plot Against Kingibe, Clears Him For ADC Activities

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an ex parte application seeking to restrain Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The application was filed by officials of the party’s Wuse Ward in the Federal Capital Territory, who alleged that the senator had been suspended over claims of anti-party conduct.

Rather than grant the request, the court directed the ward executives—reportedly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—to properly serve Kingibe with the court documents, giving her the opportunity to respond to the allegations.

Justice Lifu stressed that applications of this nature, especially those involving political matters, require careful and balanced judicial consideration.

He held that such discretion must be exercised cautiously and fairly, noting that both parties must be heard before any decision is made.

According to the judge, justice can only be achieved when the positions of both the plaintiffs and the defendant are fully considered.

The court subsequently ordered that all relevant documents be served on Kingibe to enable her prepare her defence.

The matter was adjourned to April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was filed by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel on behalf of other ward members.

Through their counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kolawole Olowookere, the plaintiffs had sought an interim injunction preventing Kingibe from presenting herself as a member of the ADC.

They also requested that she be barred from attending party meetings, carrying out party functions, or representing the party in any capacity pending the determination of the case.

Additionally, they asked the court to restrain her from interfering in the ward’s administration and records.

The plaintiffs claimed that Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward Executive Committee in line with the party’s constitution and with the support of a two-thirds majority.

They alleged that her suspension stemmed from accusations of anti-party activities, misconduct, and the alleged seizure of ward documents.

They further claimed that despite the suspension, the senator continued to hold parallel meetings, issue statements as a party member, and allegedly intimidate ward officials with the aid of security personnel.

However, Kingibe’s counsel, Abubakar Marshall, informed the court that a preliminary objection had already been filed challenging the suit.

He added that the application had been served on the plaintiffs’ legal team, setting the stage for a legal showdown when the case resumes.