Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, has switched allegiance from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress, marking her as the opposition group’s sole active legislator in the national assembly.
The civil engineer-turned-politician, elected in 2023, formalized her membership with the ADC on December 18 in Abuja and publicized the move via social media two days later.
Kingibe framed the defection as a calculated choice rooted in her dedication to public service and national progress.
“With this decision, I have become the first serving and duly elected public office holder in Nigeria to officially join the ADC, and the only serving senator within the party,” she stated in her announcement.
She added that the shift, described as “deliberate, strategic, and driven by conviction,” positions her in key leadership roles within the ADC at both local and national levels, fostering coalitions for effective governance.
Emphasizing her professional background, Kingibe highlighted a focus on “technical governance, evidence-based policymaking, and sustainable development,” particularly in areas like infrastructure, housing, and urban planning for the capital region.
The lawmaker asserted that her affiliation would fortify the ADC’s presence in the FCT in preparation for the February 2026 local council polls and elevate its profile ahead of the 2027 nationwide vote.
“More importantly, it enhances my capacity to advocate more forcefully for the rights, welfare, and aspirations of FCT residents on the national stage,” Kingibe said, committing to uphold her duties “with courage, clarity, and competence.”
No immediate reactions from Labour Party officials or ADC counterparts were available following the disclosure.
