The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory at the National Assembly, Ireti Kingibe, has declared that she is prepared to support whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
She made this known while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, where she described her political outlook as driven by national interest rather than personal loyalty.
Identifying herself as a nationalist, Kingibe said her allegiance lies with democratic principles and the opposition, not with any single individual. “I am a nationalist. The truth is that Peter Obi may be the candidate of the ADC in 2027; he may not be,” she stated.
She explained that her decision to join the ADC was rooted in strengthening the opposition and supporting the party’s eventual flagbearer. “I joined the ADC as an opposition to support the party and whoever the candidate is; if it’s Peter Obi, very well and good, we will work for him,” she said, adding that the same level of commitment would apply to any other candidate the party produces. “If he is not, whoever it is, we will work for the person, too.”
Kingibe also acknowledged that the democratic process ultimately rests with voters, even if their choice favours the ruling party. “Now, as you say, if the country chooses to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then so be it, then he will be the President,” she remarked.
However, she reiterated her long-standing belief in the importance of a strong opposition, arguing that democracy thrives on plurality. “But I’ve always believed in the opposition; I don’t think a one-party state is the best thing for our democracy,” she added.
Turning her attention to governance, the senator expressed concern about the economic situation under President Tinubu’s administration, saying Nigerians were struggling more than expected.
According to her, citizens were not experiencing the level of prosperity they had anticipated, and she suggested that the burden of taxation on the populace should be reduced. She urged the President to take a closer look at how his policies were affecting ordinary Nigerians and to adjust them where necessary.
Reacting to claims that the sacrifices currently being made by Nigerians would soon come to an end, Kingibe expressed uncertainty. “I don’t know if we are nearing the end,” she said, while acknowledging that some level of hardship is inevitable during periods of reform.
She stressed, however, that concrete measures could be adopted to reduce the strain on the masses. According to her, policies would fail to deliver results if they were routinely bypassed, adding that although the President’s intentions might be well-meaning, execution remained a major obstacle.
On her recent defection from the Labour Party to the ADC, Kingibe said the LP was no longer a viable platform for contesting elections in Nigeria.
She explained that the party had become deeply divided, insisting that she could not be accused of disloyalty because “there are two Labour Party ships.” She also dismissed ongoing speculation that her political career was being threatened by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, maintaining that he has “no say” in determining whether she returns to the Senate in 2027.
What you should know
Senator Ireti Kingibe’s remarks underline her commitment to opposition politics and democratic balance ahead of the 2027 elections.
By pledging support for any ADC presidential candidate, she signals a shift from personality-driven politics to party and principle-based engagement. Her criticism of economic conditions and policy implementation reflects growing public concern over governance and living standards under the current administration.
At the same time, her defence of leaving the Labour Party highlights internal fractures within the opposition and the ongoing realignment of political forces ahead of the next general elections.
