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

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the request lacked the merit required for the grant of an interim order without hearing from all parties involved. He directed the plaintiffs to put the senator on notice to enable her to respond to the allegations.

The suit was filed by ward leaders in Wuse, Abuja, said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The plaintiffs had asked the court to restrain Kingibe from parading herself as a member of the ADC and from participating in party affairs, citing her alleged suspension over anti-party activities.

However, Justice Lifu emphasised the need for judicial restraint in political disputes, stating that justice would be better served if both parties were given the opportunity to present their cases.

He subsequently ordered that all court processes be served on the senator and adjourned the matter until April 20, 2026, for the hearing of pending applications.

The plaintiffs, Okezuo Anayo and Isaiah Samuel, had instituted the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CV/539/2026, alleging that Kingibe was suspended on March 10, 2026, by Wuse Ward executives for gross misconduct and violation of the party’s constitution.

They claimed her suspension was duly ratified by a two-thirds majority of the ward executive committee and accused her of continuing to act as a party member despite the decision. The allegations also include holding parallel meetings, issuing statements in the party’s name, and interfering in ward administration.

In response, counsel to the senator, Abubakar Marshall, informed the court that a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit had already been filed and served on the plaintiffs’ counsel.

The case adds another layer to the ongoing leadership and legal disputes within the ADC, as internal party conflicts continue to spill into the courts.