Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a request by the Wuse Ward leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to bar Senator Ireti Kingibe from participating in party activities following her alleged suspension.

In a ruling on Thursday, Justice Lifu directed the ward leaders, reportedly aligned with Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike, to formally notify Kingibe to appear in court and address their grievances.

The judge emphasized that discretion in requests to prohibit a party member from engaging in political activities must be exercised judiciously. He noted that justice requires both parties be heard before any decision is made.

“Justice will only be met when the defendant’s side is heard on its merits, along with that of the plaintiffs,” Justice Lifu stated.

Accordingly, the court ordered that Senator Kingibe be served with all relevant court processes to ensure she is aware of the suit and can prepare her defense. The hearing was scheduled for April 20, 2026.

The plaintiffs, Okezuo Godfrey Anayo and Isaiah Ojonugwa Samuel, filed the suit on behalf of themselves and other ward members against Kingibe as the sole defendant. The case is filed under FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026.

In their ex-parte application, the Wuse Ward executives alleged that Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, for anti-party activities and violation of the ADC constitution. They sought an interim injunction to restrain her from representing the party, attending meetings, or interfering with ward administration.

The plaintiffs argued that the suspension followed due process and was ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward’s executive committee. They claimed Kingibe continued to hold parallel meetings, issue press statements as an ADC member, and use her security detail to intimidate ward officials.

A lawyer representing Senator Kingibe, Abubakar Marshall, announced that a preliminary objection had been filed against the suit and served on the plaintiffs’ counsel, M. S. Garba, during Thursday’s proceedings.

The court’s order ensures that Kingibe will have the opportunity to defend herself before any injunction or restriction is applied regarding her role in the ADC.