The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has debunked widespread rumours of her alleged defection from the Labour Party ( to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing such claims as “false, inaccurate, and a complete fabrication.”
In an interview with The Whistler on Saturday, Kingibe stated categorically that she remains a member of the Labour Party, despite her attendance at a recent opposition coalition event where the ADC was adopted as a unified platform for the 2027 general elections.
She said, “I’m still in the Labour Party. Any report that I have dumped the Labour Party is false, inaccurate, and a complete fabrication.”
Speculation over Kingibe’s political allegiance intensified after she appeared alongside other political heavyweights at the formal unveiling of the ADC as the adopted platform for a new opposition coalition.
The event drew prominent national figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (PDP), ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai (SDP), former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi (APC), and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
While former Senate President David Mark (PDP) and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola (APC) emerged as interim National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, respectively, several participants have since resigned from their previous political parties.
Kingibe’s participation at the event raised eyebrows, prompting claims that she had followed suit. However, the senator dismissed the insinuations, stating that her presence did not amount to a formal switch.
Addressing a quote attributed to her in the media, she said, “I’m totally and completely committed to ADC,” adding that her remarks were taken out of context.
“Where did they get that report from? Who told them? When did I hold the interview to announce my resignation?” she queried.
She explained that the statement reflected her support for the coalition’s objectives, not a confirmation of defection.
“As the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, don’t expect me to just take a lunch break and go collect a card,” she said, referring to official party registration. She further stated, “I want to do so with noise and fanfare.”
Despite aligning with the broader coalition’s ideals, Kingibe reiterated her loyalty to the Labour Party and her commitment to serving the people of the FCT.
“We, including Mr Peter Obi and others, are still in the Labour Party. My commitment to serving the people of the FCT remains unchanged,” she said.