Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has declared the Abuja Municipal Area Council as a key battleground ahead of the February 2026 area councils election. This announcement comes after her defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress. Kingibe officially registered as an ADC member at her Wuse Ward in AMAC, describing the move as the start of an intense political contest.
The senator emphasized the importance of sweeping the FCT’s six area councils, beginning with her home base of AMAC. She stated, “We have a ‘battle’ and a lot of work ahead of us. We have six area councils that must be ours.” Kingibe’s defection is seen as a significant development in the FCT’s political landscape, where the contest for grassroots control is expected to intensify ahead of the 2026 area council elections and the 2027 general polls.
The event also marked the formal unveiling of the ADC’s chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the FCT, with party flags presented as a signal of readiness for the February polls. Former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, described Kingibe’s defection as a strong boost to the party’s rising profile, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory. Nwosu noted that the decision reflects a broader national realignment driven by public dissatisfaction with the status quo.
The ADC has positioned itself as a clear alternative to existing governance patterns, citing widespread public discontent as a driving force. National Treasurer of the ADC, Mani Ahmed, stated that the party is fully prepared for electoral contests at both local and national levels. Ahmed emphasized that the ADC is “battle-ready to grab power at the centre and elsewhere” due to its confidence in its preparations and the public’s desire for change.
From a constituency perspective, Head of Senator Kingibe’s constituency office, Emmanuel Destiny, described the senator’s defection as the beginning of a new political chapter for residents of the territory, especially women and young people. Destiny urged women and youths to rally behind Kingibe, despite the challenges of operating as an opposition force in the FCT, insisting that Nigerians are desperate for change.
The development is expected to alter the balance of power in the FCT, with the ADC poised to make significant gains in the upcoming elections. As the party continues to position itself as a viable alternative to the existing governance structure, it remains to be seen how Kingibe’s defection will impact the political landscape of the Federal Capital Territory.