Court Rejects Suit Seeking To Bar Senator Ireti Kingibe From ADC Activities

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a suit seeking to stop Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from presenting herself as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu said the senator must first be notified and served with all court documents by the plaintiffs so she can properly respond to the allegations.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2026, was filed by the Wuse ward executive committee of the ADC in the FCT, seeking to restrain Kingibe from identifying herself as a member of the party.

The legal action came just 48 hours after the ward executive committee announced her indefinite suspension over alleged anti-party activities, insubordination, and breach of party rules.

The plaintiffs, Okezuo Kanayo, who is the Wuse ward chairman, and Isaiah Samuel, the ward secretary, are said to be loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Through their lawyer, Maxwell Opara, they asked the court to confirm that the Wuse ward executive committee has the constitutional power to discipline and suspend members within its area.

They also requested a declaration that Kingibe’s suspension remains valid and in force, and that the party’s National Working Committee should not recognise her as a member at any level while the suspension lasts.

However, Justice Lifu ruled that Ireti Kingibe must first be given the opportunity to appear in court and defend herself against the claims.

He explained that in sensitive political matters, the court must exercise its discretion carefully and fairly, stressing that justice can only be achieved when both sides are heard.

Consequently, the judge directed that all court processes be served on the senator to allow her file her response.

The case was then adjourned until April 20, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nyesom Wike said that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not win another term in 2027, insisting that she has not delivered any visible projects for residents.