Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has officially dumped the Labour Party (LP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The senator announced her defection in a video released by the ADC on social media, blaming the ongoing leadership crisis in the Labour Party as the reason for her exit. Kingibe noted that the inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise either faction of the LP could jeopardise her chances in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
“The Labour Party is currently divided into two factions, and INEC’s refusal to accept any of the factions could affect my political future,” Kingibe declared.
Her defection comes amid a protracted political clash with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over issues including property revocation and governance in Abuja.
Kingibe had earlier criticised Wike for “illegally” sealing properties over unpaid ground rents, sparking a heated exchange that further fractured her relationship with key stakeholders in the FCT.
Mixed Reactions Trail Kingibe’s Defection
Kingibe’s move triggered mixed reactions from Nigerians online. While some criticised her performance as senator, others argued that she was making a strategic move ahead of 2027.
Henry wrote: “The same Senator Ireti who promised to deal with Wike in Abuja council elections has now jumped to ADC. Which party will she use to fight Wike now?”
Emmanuel Okafor posted: “It’s about to get messy. Kingibe moving to ADC means 2027 will be tough in FCT. Only a strong coalition can match Wike’s influence.”
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Others questioned Kingibe’s contributions to the FCT, accusing her of riding on the popularity of Peter Obi to win her seat in 2023.
The senator is yet to unveil her specific plans in the ADC, but her exit from the LP is expected to intensify political calculations in Abuja ahead of the next election cycle.
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