In a significant political realignment, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has formally ended her association with the Labour Party. She officially registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
A Ceremony Marking a New Chapter
The registration event was held at the ADC National Headquarters in Wuse, Abuja. Senior party officials, candidates for the upcoming FCT Area Council elections, supporters, and journalists witnessed the moment Senator Kingibe received her membership card. The ceremony was widely described as an "epoch-making moment" for opposition politics in the nation's capital.
Ending Months of Speculation
Her move to the ADC concludes a period of intense speculation about her political future. Observers noted that her departure from the Labour Party had been anticipated, largely due to the party's internal crises and the prolonged indecision of its national leader, Peter Obi. Sources close to the Senator revealed that her political alignment had shifted towards the ADC for some time, with one insider stating her "body and soul were already with the opposition party."
Through her aides, Senator Kingibe explained that her decision was driven by a commitment to inclusive governance, accountability, and structured opposition. She believes the ADC embodies these principles more effectively than her former party. The defection, which had been under consideration for months, followed careful monitoring of the evolving dynamics within the Labour Party.
A Strategic Boost for the ADC
This defection carries substantial weight for the African Democratic Congress. Senator Ireti Kingibe is now the only serving Senator in the ADC. Political analysts assert that her experience, leadership record, and strong constituency base in the FCT will significantly boost the party's national profile. This is viewed as a strategic acquisition as the ADC positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reaction from her supporters has been one of celebration, with many calling it a "long-awaited homecoming." For residents of Abuja, her switch represents a definitive political statement. Analysts interpret the move as a sign of the ADC's growing appeal among established politicians seeking a viable alternative platform within Nigeria's complex political landscape.
Kennedy Mbele, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the FCT Senator, confirmed that all events surrounding the registration were conducted in an orderly and celebratory manner. For observers, the question was never if Senator Kingibe would join the ADC, but when she would make the move public. That question was decisively answered on December 18th, marking a new chapter in her career and in the politics of the Federal Capital Territory.
