Sen. Ireti Kingibe Resigns from Labour Party, Joins ADC Ahead of 2027 Elections

Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Ireti Kingibe, the representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has officially resigned from the Labour Party (LP) and announced her defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The move comes as part of her preparations for the 2027 general elections.

A “Calculated Political Decision”

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Kingibe described her decision as a “calculated and deliberate political move.” She emphasized her full commitment to the ADC and hinted at a high-profile induction ceremony in the near future.

“I’m totally and completely committed to ADC,” she declared. “But as the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, you don’t expect me to just take a lunch break and go collect a membership card. I want to do so with noise and fanfare.”

Confidence in ADC’s Growth

When questioned about her confidence in the ADC’s leadership and the emerging political coalition, Kingibe expressed optimism while acknowledging the party’s developmental stage.

“It’s something that is evolving,” she explained. “You can’t judge a child while they’re still crawling. You wait to see how they run. We are growing.”

Constitutional Justification for Defection

Addressing concerns about potential legal ramifications for her Senate seat, Kingibe argued that the Labour Party’s internal crisis—marked by two distinct factions—legally justifies her departure under constitutional provisions.

“I ask you to please read the constitution,” she stated. “There are two clear factions within the Labour Party. The constitution provides a definition for when it’s permissible to decamp without penalty, and this situation fits perfectly.”

She further pointed out that even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had received conflicting candidate lists from the LP during elections, though neither was accepted.

“If you ask me to stay in the Labour Party, which faction would you have me join?” Kingibe questioned.

Respect for Rule of Law

The senator emphasized that her decision was grounded in constitutional principles and respect for the rule of law.

“If there weren’t two distinct factions in the Labour Party, I wouldn’t have considered defecting, as that would be unconstitutional,” she clarified. “But given the circumstances, the constitution permits this move. I simply chose ADC as my new political home.”

Kingibe’s defection marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections. Her move to the ADC could influence other politicians considering similar transitions amid ongoing party realignments.

For more details, read the original report: Per Second News.