Senator Ireti Kingibe, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, has declared the Abuja Municipal Area Council as the starting point of a major political push ahead of the February 2026 area council elections, following her decision to join the African Democratic Congress.
The senator made the declaration on Thursday, just one day after officially leaving the Labour Party to align with the African Democratic Congress, a move she described as strategic rather than symbolic as Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections.
Kingibe formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress at her Wuse Ward in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, which is one of the six local government administrations within the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria’s seat of government. Addressing journalists and party supporters after receiving her membership card, she emphasized that her political decision marked the beginning of an intense contest for grassroots control across the territory.
She stated that the party must focus on winning all six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory, starting with Abuja Municipal Area Council, which she described as her political and personal base.
“We have a ‘battle’ and a lot of work ahead of us. We have six area councils, Mr Chairman, that must be ours. It starts with AMAC,” she said.
Explaining why she chose to register in Wuse Ward, Kingibe added, “There are some of these problems. First of all, let me tell you something. AMAC is my local government, and Wuse is my ward. That is why we are taking the card here today.”
The event also served as the official unveiling of the African Democratic Congress chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the Federal Capital Territory. Party flags were presented to the candidates as a sign of preparedness for the upcoming February 2026 polls.
Okay News reports that political analysts believe Kingibe’s entry into the African Democratic Congress could significantly reshape the political landscape of the Federal Capital Territory, where competition for grassroots leadership is expected to intensify ahead of both the 2026 area council elections and Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Adding weight to the development, a former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Ralph Nwosu, described Kingibe’s defection as a major boost to the party’s growing influence, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Nwosu, the senator’s move reflected a wider national realignment driven by public frustration with existing political structures.
“This is the Federal Capital Territory, and for the number one senator in Abuja to be declaring for the party is a very warm sign. And we are receiving her gladly,” he said. “But the critical signpost is this: Nigeria must move on.”
He further argued that the African Democratic Congress was increasingly becoming the political vehicle for Nigerians seeking change.
“Almost everybody has decided that Nigeria must move on, and the party must be ADC. So, the ADC has become the leading party in Nigeria,” Nwosu said.
However, he cautioned that the party would be selective in admitting new members, stressing that it would not accommodate politicians motivated solely by financial interests.
“We do not want all of these people whose stock in trade is all about money. We are picky,” he said, adding that several influential politicians from other parties had already joined the ADC.
He also predicted a major realignment before the end of the following year, stating that a large percentage of Nigeria’s ruling party members could defect.
Also speaking at the event, the National Treasurer of the African Democratic Congress, Mani Ahmed, said the party was fully prepared for electoral contests at both local and national levels.
He explained that widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians had created an opportunity for the party to present itself as a credible alternative.
“The ADC is battle ready to grab power at the centre and elsewhere because we have a lot of confidence and hope in our preparations,” Ahmed said.
From a constituency perspective, the Head of Senator Kingibe’s constituency office and a former national officer representing the Federal Capital Territory, Emmanuel Destiny, described the defection as the beginning of a new political chapter for residents of the territory, particularly women and young people.
He urged women and youths to support Kingibe, noting that Nigerians were eager for change due to ongoing hardship, insecurity, and economic pressure.
