Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, has officially left the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, a move widely viewed as capable of reshaping the political landscape in Abuja ahead of the forthcoming council elections and the 2027 general polls.
The defection was announced at a well-attended ceremony at Merit House in Abuja, drawing leading figures of the ADC, party stakeholders and supporters. Party officials described the event as the start of a new phase of political momentum within the FCT.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kingibe said her decision was informed by the ADC’s expanding influence, internal organisation and people-focused approach to governance. “I have chosen to join the African Democratic Congress because it is a giant in the making. In the FCT, ADC is not just present; it is strong, vibrant and growing from strength to strength,” she said to sustained applause from supporters.
Widely regarded for her legislative activism and close engagement with grassroots communities, the senator explained that her values aligned with the ADC’s emphasis on inclusive development and responsive leadership. Party leaders welcomed her defection as a strategic boost at a critical political moment.
ADC Youth Leader, Comrade Balarabe Rufai, described Kingibe’s entry into the party as a major breakthrough, saying, “We have caught a big fish. Senator Ireti Kingibe’s entry consolidates the coalition we have been building. With the FCT council elections approaching, ADC is fully prepared to challenge the dominance of the APC.” He added that her presence would energise the party’s base and strengthen its electoral machinery in the territory.
The ADC’s Deputy Organising Secretary, Alhaji Atiku Saleh, formally presented Kingibe with her membership card, describing the occasion as historic for the party. “ADC is one family. By God’s grace, come 2027, we will emerge victorious. Senator Kingibe’s decision is a clear endorsement of our credibility and our resolve to offer Nigerians a viable alternative to the ruling APC,” he said.
Several national leaders of the party were present, including former National Chairman Chief Ralphs Okorie Nwosu, National Treasurer Dr Mani Ibrahim Mani, Deputy National Secretary Hon Hauwa Yusuf and other senior figures, underscoring the importance the party attaches to the defection.
Political observers say Kingibe’s move represents a significant loss for the Labour Party in the FCT and could alter electoral calculations as local council elections draw closer. Analysts also see the development as part of a broader realignment in Nigeria’s political space, where ideology, performance and grassroots appeal are increasingly shaping political choices. With a serving senator now in its ranks, the ADC is seen as signalling a clear intention to compete more forcefully on the national stage ahead of 2027.
What you should know
Senator Ireti Kingibe’s defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress is a notable political development in the Federal Capital Territory.
As a sitting senator with strong grassroots visibility, her move boosts ADC’s profile and weakens Labour Party influence in Abuja. The defection comes ahead of FCT council elections and the 2027 general polls, suggesting early positioning and realignment.
Analysts view it as part of a wider national trend where politicians are reassessing party platforms based on structure, reach and electoral viability rather than legacy affiliations.
