Senator Ireti Kingibe has formally switched political allegiance, joining the African Democratic Congress in a move that reshapes the opposition landscape in the Federal Capital Territory.
Her entry into the ADC was sealed yesterday after she received the party’s membership card at its national headquarters, signalling a clean break from the Labour Party and weeks of speculation about her political future.
Sources familiar with the development indicated that the decision followed prolonged internal disagreements within the Labour Party, coupled with uncertainty over the direction of its national leadership.
Those close to the senator said the delay was strategic rather than hesitant.
The registration event drew senior ADC officials, party candidates preparing for the February 21 FCT Area Council elections, as well as supporters and journalists, underscoring the political weight attached to her defection.
Speaking through aides, Kingibe said the move aligned with her long-standing commitment to participatory governance and credible opposition politics. She said the ADC offered a clearer framework for accountability and issue-based engagement.
According to her team, the senator believes effective representation of the FCT requires “a platform that is organised, principled and willing to challenge power constructively,” adding that opposition politics must be anchored on structure rather than sentiment.
Moreover, ADC leaders at the event described her defection as a boost to the party’s national outlook, arguing that her experience and visibility would strengthen its appeal in the capital and beyond.
AFRIPOST reports that the defection could influence voter alignments ahead of upcoming local elections, especially as parties intensify mobilisation across the FCT.