Abuja, Nigeria — In a major political shift, Senator Ireti Kingibe Defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is now official. The lawmaker finalized her exit from the LP following months of internal party friction. Specifically, she represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 10th National Assembly.
Kennedy Mbele, her media aide, released a statement on Wednesday confirming the move. He noted that the Senator Ireti Kingibe Defection marks a new chapter in her political journey. Her formal registration will take place this Thursday. Indeed, she will sign the party register at the ADC national headquarters in Wuse, Abuja. This move positions her as the only serving senator in the ADC. Consequently, the party now gains a powerful legislative voice in the Red Chamber.
The Senator Ireti Kingibe Defection comes at a critical time for the nation’s capital. Notably, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the FCT Area Council Elections for February 21, 2026. By joining the ADC now, Kingibe can lead the party’s charge in these upcoming polls. Therefore, her presence could shift the balance of power away from the LP and PDP.
Her exit also deals a significant blow to the Labour Party. The LP gained massive popularity in Abuja during the 2023 general elections. However, the Senator Ireti Kingibe Defection highlights deep-seated leadership crises within the Labour Party. Various factions continue to struggle for control, leading to high-profile exits like this one.
The upcoming registration ceremony in Wuse is more than a mere formality. Instead, it will serve as a political rally for the ADC. In fact, senior party officials and ADC candidates contesting the area council elections plan to attend.
“Kingibe’s bold step of joining the ADC makes her the only serving senator in the new but vibrant opposition party,” Mbele noted. Ultimately, her move is a strategic realignment. She aims to provide “disciplined institutions and affordable healthcare” to FCT residents. This goal remains a core part of her legislative agenda.
Before her historic win in 2023, Kingibe had a long career as a civil engineer. She worked with organizations like the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Her political journey has included time with the APC and PDP. Eventually, she secured her record-breaking win with the Labour Party.
Now, the Senator Ireti Kingibe Defection marks her latest move. It is a calculated effort to find a stable platform for her projects. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, her influence remains high. The ADC hopes to leverage this influence to win more seats in the FCT.
