The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has identified the Abuja Municipal Area Council as the starting point of her political push ahead of the February 2026 area council elections, following her defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress.
Kingibe made the declaration on Thursday, less than 24 hours after formally joining the ADC in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
She completed her registration at her Wuse Ward in AMAC, describing the move as the beginning of a serious political contest rather than a ceremonial exercise.
Speaking to journalists and party supporters after receiving her ADC membership card, the senator said the party was determined to take control of all six area councils in the FCT, beginning with AMAC.
She said the task ahead was a major political battle, stressing that AMAC, as her local government area and Wuse as her ward, naturally provided the launchpad for the ADC’s grassroots mobilisation.
The event also featured the unveiling of the ADC’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the FCT, with party flags presented to signal the party’s readiness for the February polls.
Political watchers believe Kingibe’s entry into the ADC could reshape the political landscape in the FCT, as competition for grassroots dominance intensifies ahead of the 2026 council elections and the 2027 general polls.
Former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, described Kingibe’s defection as a major boost to the party’s growing influence in the territory.
He said her decision reflected a wider national realignment driven by public frustration with existing political arrangements.
According to Nwosu, the defection of the FCT’s senator was a strong signal that Nigerians were seeking a new political direction, adding that the ADC was steadily emerging as a rallying point for change.
He, however, noted that the party would be selective in admitting new members, insisting it would not become a haven for politicians motivated solely by money or personal ambition.
Also speaking, the ADC National Treasurer, Mani Ahmed, said the party was fully prepared for upcoming elections at both local and national levels.
He stated that widespread dissatisfaction with governance had positioned the ADC as a credible alternative.
From the constituency angle, Head of Senator Kingibe’s constituency office and national ex-official representing the FCT, Emmanuel Destiny, said the senator’s defection marked the start of a new political chapter for residents of the territory, particularly women and young people.
He urged women and youths to rally behind Kingibe, arguing that Nigerians were yearning for meaningful change amid hardship, insecurity and economic pressure, and that the ADC offered a viable platform for that transformation.
