JUST IN: Judges deny attempt to disqualify Kingibe from running on ADC ticket

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja refused an ex parte application seeking to prevent Senator Ireti Kingibe from taking part in the activities of the African Democratic Congress.

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Justice Peter Lifu made this decision after considering a request by some ward leaders from the party in Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, who claimed that the senator had been suspended due to alleged anti-party activities.

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The court instead instructed the plaintiffs to notify the lawmaker, allowing her to respond to the allegations and engage with the plaintiffs.

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The ward leaders, who are reportedly loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had asked the court to stop Kingibe from claiming to be a party member and participating in its activities.

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Justice Lifu emphasized that the court must use its discretion in a fair and unbiased manner, particularly in matters related to politics.

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He stated that a just outcome can only be achieved if both parties are given the opportunity to present their cases on their merits.

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The judge ordered that all court documents be served on the senator, enabling her to prepare her defense.

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The case has been adjourned until April 20, 2026, to hear all pending applications.

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The plaintiffs, Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel, filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026 on behalf of themselves and other ward members, with Kingibe listed as the sole defendant.

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In their ex parte application, the plaintiffs claimed that the senator was suspended on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward executives due to alleged anti-party activities and disregard for the party's constitution.

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The plaintiffs requested an interim injunction to prevent her from acting as a party member until a motion on notice is decided.

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They specifically sought to bar her from attending meetings, performing functions reserved for party members, or representing the party in any capacity.

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The plaintiffs also asked the court to prevent her from interfering in the administration of the ward, including its register and other official activities.

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The plaintiffs based their suit on five grounds, including allegations of gross misconduct and confiscation of ward records.

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According to the plaintiffs, Kingibe's suspension followed the party's constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee.

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Despite being notified of her suspension, Kingibe allegedly continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as a party member, and used security aides to intimidate ward executives.

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The plaintiffs argued that her actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the party's internal mechanisms.

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A lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, who claimed to represent the senator, informed the court that he had filed a preliminary objection challenging the suit.

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He added that the objection had been served on M. S. Garba, who appeared for the plaintiffs during Thursday's proceedings.