The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Wuse Ward, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), seeking to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in the party’s activities following her alleged suspension.

Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, emphasized that requests to prohibit an individual from party activities must be exercised with judicial discretion. The judge noted that fairness in the matter requires hearing both sides before any decision is made.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu directed that the plaintiffs serve Senator Kingibe with all court processes, ensuring she is aware of the suit and able to prepare her defense. The court scheduled April 20, 2026, for both parties to appear for the hearing of all applications in the case.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, was filed by Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel on behalf of themselves and members of the Wuse Ward. Senator Kingibe is the sole defendant.

The plaintiffs had, in an ex-parte application filed through Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kolawole Olowookere, SAN, sought an interim injunction to prevent the senator from presenting herself as an ADC member, attending party meetings, performing party functions, or representing the party in any capacity.

They argued that Senator Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, was suspended on March 10, 2026, by the Wuse Ward executives due to alleged anti-party activities, gross misconduct, and confiscation of ward statutory records. The suspension, they stated, followed due process as outlined in the ADC constitution and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the Ward Executive Committee (EXCO).

Despite the suspension, the plaintiffs alleged that Senator Kingibe continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as an ADC member, and use her security detail to intimidate ward officials. “Her actions constitute a flagrant disregard for the internal mechanisms of the party,” the suit read.

At Thursday’s proceedings, Abubakar Marshall, claiming to represent Senator Kingibe, announced that a preliminary objection had been filed against the suit. The objection was served on M.S. Garba, counsel for the plaintiffs.