The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has officially declared the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) as the first political battleground ahead of the February 2026 area council elections, following her defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kingibe registered as an ADC member at her Wuse Ward in AMAC on Thursday, describing the move as the start of a serious political contest rather than a symbolic exercise. Speaking to journalists and party supporters after receiving her membership card, she said the party’s focus would be on winning control of all six area councils in the FCT, beginning with her home base.
“We have a ‘battle’ and a lot of work ahead of us. We have six area councils that must be ours. It starts with AMAC,” Kingibe said, emphasizing that her decision was rooted in local political priorities.
The event also marked the formal unveiling of the ADC’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the FCT, with party flags presented to signal readiness for the February polls.
Political analysts suggest that Kingibe’s defection could significantly alter the political landscape in the FCT, where grassroots control will be fiercely contested ahead of both the 2026 area council elections and the 2027 general elections.
Former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, described Kingibe’s move as a boost to the party’s profile in the FCT, interpreting it as part of a broader national realignment fueled by public dissatisfaction with the status quo. He stressed that the party would remain selective in admitting politicians, focusing on those committed to meaningful change rather than personal gain.
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“This is the FCT, and for the number one senator in Abuja to be declaring for the party is a very warm sign,” Nwosu said. “Almost everybody has decided that Nigeria must move on, and the party must be ADC. The ADC has become the leading party in Nigeria.”
National Treasurer of the ADC, Mani Ahmed, stated that the party was fully prepared for contests at both local and national levels, citing widespread public discontent as a driving factor. He added that the party was positioning itself as a clear alternative to existing governance structures.
From the constituency perspective, Emmanuel Destiny, head of Senator Kingibe’s constituency office, described her defection as the start of a new political chapter for FCT residents, particularly women and young people. He urged them to support Kingibe, highlighting the urgent need for change in governance to address poverty, insecurity, and public dissatisfaction.