The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed proceedings in a legal case challenging the membership status of Senator Ireti Kingibe in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), fixing June 9 for further hearing.
Justice Peter Lifu granted the adjournment following a request by counsel to the plaintiffs, I. G. Ogugwa, who sought additional time to prepare for the case.
The suit, filed by two executive members of the ADC in Wuse Ward, Abuja, seeks to restrain Kingibe from presenting herself as a member of the party pending the resolution of the dispute.
The plaintiffs—Mr Okezuo Kanayo, Chairman of ADC Wuse Ward, and Mr Isaiah Samuel, the ward’s Secretary—allege that the senator was suspended over claims of anti-party activities and misconduct.
They argue that the suspension, which reportedly took place on March 10, followed due process in line with the party’s constitution and was supported by a majority of the ward’s executive members.
According to the plaintiffs, Kingibe has continued to engage in activities as a party member despite the suspension, including holding meetings and issuing public statements.
They also accused her of actions that allegedly created tension within the party structure at the ward level.
Earlier, the court had declined to grant an interim order to stop the senator from acting as an ADC member, instead directing that she be formally notified to respond to the allegations.
The case also includes a preliminary objection filed by Kingibe’s legal team, challenging the competence of the suit.
Senator Kingibe currently represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly.
The ongoing legal battle highlights internal tensions within the ADC as the party navigates leadership and membership disputes.
