Senator Kingibe Of Labour Party Defects To ADC.
The Labour Party (LP) is grappling with a deepening crisis following the defection of Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The announcement, made during a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, 12 July 2025, has intensified political tensions within the LP, with Kingibe citing the party’s internal divisions as her primary reason for leaving.
Senator Kingibe, who was elected under the LP banner in 2023, described her move as a deliberate and strategic decision, asserting that the existence of two distinct factions within the Labour Party provided legal grounds for her defection under Nigeria’s constitution. “There are two clear factions of the Labour Party. The constitution allows for defection without penalty in such cases,” she stated, addressing concerns about potential repercussions for her Senate seat. She added, “I’m fully committed to the ADC, and my formal induction will be marked with fanfare.” Kingibe’s confidence in the ADC stems from its evolving coalition, which she likened to “a child still learning to walk,” indicating optimism about its future potential.
The defection follows a series of high-profile exits from the LP, including that of Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, who has also aligned with the ADC coalition. The LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Abayomi Arabambi, condemned Kingibe’s move, along with those of Obi and Senator Victor Umeh, as “blatant anti-party conduct” and a betrayal of the party’s interests. Arabambi revealed that the LP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to convene on Tuesday to discuss the expulsion of these figures, accusing them of aligning with “opportunists” responsible for Nigeria’s economic challenges from 2015 to 2023.
Kingibe’s departure is seen as a significant blow to the LP, which is already struggling with internal wranglings and leadership disputes. She had previously voiced concerns about the party’s viability, stating on 8 July 2025 during an interview with Channels Television that the LP was “too fractured to win any election” in its current state. Her alignment with the ADC, which was unveiled as the platform for a new opposition coalition on 2 July 2025, reflects a broader political realignment aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The coalition, backed by prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar and David Mark, seeks to unite opposition forces to address Nigeria’s pressing issues, including inflation and governance challenges.
The senator’s move has sparked mixed reactions. Some Nigerians view the ADC coalition as a promising step towards a viable opposition, with one social media user noting, “Coalition is the best thing to happen to Nigeria in recent times.” Others, however, expressed scepticism about Kingibe’s contributions as a senator, questioning her record in the FCT. The defection also raises questions about the upcoming local government elections in the FCT, where Kingibe had vowed to challenge the influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, further complicating the political landscape.
As the Labour Party navigates this turbulent period, the ADC’s growing prominence as a coalition platform signals a potential shift in Nigeria’s opposition dynamics. With Kingibe’s high-profile defection, the stage is set for intensified political manoeuvring as the 2027 elections approach.