By Ayomide Otitoju
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has categorically denied media reports suggesting her defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the claims as “false, inaccurate, and a complete fabrication.”
In an interview with The Whistler on Saturday, Kingibe reaffirmed her commitment to the Labour Party, despite her recent attendance at a high-profile opposition coalition event where the ADC was adopted as a unified political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I’m still in the Labour Party. Any report that I have dumped the Labour Party is false, inaccurate, and a complete fabrication,” she stated.
The event, which drew speculation about Kingibe’s political alignment, featured prominent political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (PDP), ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai (SDP), former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi (APC), and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The coalition announced the appointment of former Senate President David Mark (PDP) as interim National Chairman of the ADC, while ex-Minister Rauf Aregbesola (APC) was named interim Secretary.
Kingibe’s presence at the gathering, coupled with reports quoting her as pledging allegiance to the ADC, intensified speculation over her political future. She, however, dismissed the reports, saying her statements were taken out of context.
“If I were to leave the Labour Party, I would do so with noise and fanfare,” she said. “As the senator representing the FCT, don’t expect me to just take a lunch break and go collect a card.”
She emphasized her continued commitment to the Labour Party and to 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 added.
