BREAKING: Senator Ireti Kingibe Dumps Labour Party, Joins ADC Ahead 2027

Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Ireti Kingibe, the representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria’s National Assembly, has officially resigned from the Labour Party (LP) and pledged her full commitment to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as she prepares for the 2027 general elections.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, the announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, July 12, 2025, where Kingibe described her defection as a calculated and deliberate political move aimed at advancing her political career and contributing to a growing coalition within the ADC.

Kingibe emphasized that her transition to the ADC would not be a quiet affair. “I’m totally and completely committed to ADC,” she declared, adding that she intends to mark her formal induction into the party with “noise and fanfare,” reflecting her determination to make a significant impact in her new political home.

When questioned about her confidence in the ADC’s leadership and the evolving coalition it is building, Kingibe expressed optimism while acknowledging that the party is still in its formative stages.

She likened the ADC’s development to a child learning to walk, stating,

“You cannot say while your child is still crawling that you are not happy with how he’s going to run. You wait. We are growing.”

This metaphor underlined her belief in the party’s potential and her willingness to grow alongside it.

The senator also addressed concerns about the legality of her defection and whether it might cost her Senate seat.

She pointed to the ongoing internal crisis within the Labour Party, which has split into two distinct factions.

Kingibe argued that this division provides constitutional grounds for her defection without penalty, citing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has even received two sets of results and candidates from the Labour Party factions.

“If you ask me to stay in Labour Party, which faction do you want me to stay in?” she queried, reinforcing her position that her move is within constitutional allowances.

Background on Senator Ireti Kingibe reveals a seasoned political figure with a rich history of party affiliations and public service.

Born on June 2, 1954, Kingibe is a civil engineer by training who ventured into politics in 1990 as an adviser to the national chairman of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Over the years, she has been associated with several political parties, including the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressive Congress (APC), before joining the Labour Party in 2022.

She won the FCT senatorial seat in the 2023 elections under the Labour Party banner and currently chairs the Senate Committee on Women Affairs.

Her political journey has not been without controversy.

During the 2023 elections, Kingibe faced opposition from other parties questioning the election results, but she maintained her victory and criticized attempts to undermine her mandate.

Her defection to the ADC marks another significant chapter in her political career as she seeks to align with a party she believes offers a promising platform for the future.

Senator Kingibe’s move to the ADC highlights the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, especially ahead of the 2027 elections, as politicians reposition themselves within emerging coalitions.

Her defection is expected to boost the ADC’s profile and potentially reshape political dynamics in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.