Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kingibe announced months ago that she has left the Labour Party for the ADC, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The lawmaker had said her defection was a deliberate move and would be formalised with “fanfare”.
On Thursday, the federal lawmaker picked up the ADC membership card at a ceremony held at Merit House in Abuja, attended by the party leaders, stakeholders and supporters.
Addressing the gathering, the senator said her decision was influenced by the ADC’s growing presence, organisational strength and people-centred vision for 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.
Kingibe said she aligned with the ADC because of its focus on inclusive development and responsive leadership.
Balarabe Rufai, ADC youth leader, described Kingibe’s defection as a landmark gain for the party.
“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,” Rufai said.
Atiku Saleh, deputy organising secretary of the ADC, presented Kingibe with her membership card and described the moment as a turning point for the party.
“ADC is one family. By God’s grace, come 2027, we will emerge victorious,” Saleh said.
“Senator Ireti Kingibe’s decision is a clear endorsement of our credibility and our resolve to offer Nigerians a viable alternative to the ruling APC.”
The event was attended by Ralphs Nwosu, former National Chairman of the ADC; Mani Ibrahim Mani, National Treasurer; Hauwa Yusuf, Deputy National Secretary; and other party leaders.
On Wednesday, the senate rejected a motion sponsored by Kingibe, which sought legislative intervention in several governance challenges confronting Abuja.
