The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe has raised concerns over the gradual drift toward a one-party dominance in Nigeria, insisting that a vibrant opposition is crucial for the survival of democracy.
The senator, who spoke in an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Friday, emphasized that her recent defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was motivated by a commitment to preserve a multiparty system and strengthen opposition voices in the Senate.
Recall that on Thursday, Kingibe joined eight other senators in defecting from their respective parties to the ADC, marking one of the most significant political realignments in recent months.
The defecting senators include Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto South), Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Binos Dauda Yaroe (Adamawa South), Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), and Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna Central) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Others are Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) from the Labour Party, Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), alongside Kingibe herself.
Unequal Scrutiny and Political Backlash
Kingibe dismissed criticisms of her move, pointing out what she described as a double standard in Nigerian politics. “Senator after senator has decamped to the APC in the 10th Senate without question. No one raised alarms; nobody threatened their seats. But when we chose the ADC, suddenly the narrative shifted. The criticism is political, not procedural. Our goal is to maintain a healthy opposition and ensure democracy thrives with contrary views—not to allow one-party dominance,” she said.
She further elaborated: “Labour Party, for almost two years, has been paralyzed by factional struggles. Courts have issued rulings, yet leadership disputes continue. Myself and several other senators realized the platform could no longer effectively support our political work. This was not a personal decision but a collective effort to preserve the integrity of opposition politics and ensure our constituents are represented by a functional, credible platform.”
Kingibe expressed frustration at the selective focus on the ADC compared to the APC: “The issue is not our defection but the hypocrisy in political discourse. When senators moved to APC, it was barely mentioned. But ADC’s growth, its potential to challenge one-party dominance, suddenly becomes the headline. That tells you more about the political culture than about us. Democracy needs a counterbalance, and ADC is emerging as that alternative.”
Defending the Multiparty Principle
The senator underscored that Nigeria’s democracy thrives only when opposition parties are allowed to operate without intimidation. “We refuse to be part of a one-party system. Democracy cannot function if one party dominates every sphere of political life. A system without robust opposition stifles debate, reduces accountability, and limits policy alternatives. It is not about numbers; it is about principles. We stand for a multi-party system where every voice has a chance to be heard,” she stated.
Kingibe also highlighted the strategic importance of her move in local politics. “In the FCT, Labour Party didn’t even field candidates in recent local government elections because of internal factionalization. At least 70 percent of my supporters in the constituency are moving with me to ADC. Politics is local. My responsibility is to ensure effective representation, not to adhere blindly to party loyalty,” she said.
Electoral Act Amendment and Political Freedom
On the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act that seeks to criminalize dual party membership, Kingibe sounded a note of caution about over-legislation. “Political parties are free to decide who belongs to them. Passing laws to punish dual membership with fines or imprisonment is unnecessary and counterproductive. We have serious national challenges—why legislate on who can belong to which party? Democracy is about individual freedom guided by reasonable rules, not trivial constraints,” she said.
She warned that restricting political mobility could undermine the emergence of credible opposition. “The country needs political flexibility to allow emerging parties like the ADC to grow. Without such flexibility, Nigeria risks sliding toward a one-party state where the opposition is tokenistic rather than effective,” Kingibe added.
Advancing Women’s Participation in Politics
Kingibe also reiterated her commitment to improving women’s representation in governance. “I’ve sponsored a Gender Equal Opportunity Bill proposing that at least 35 percent of elective and appointive positions be reserved for women. This is an affirmative action policy aimed at bridging the gender gap. Women need to be at the table to legislate on issues that affect them directly. Globally, delegations without female representation are penalized in international parliamentary processes. Nigeria cannot lag behind,” she emphasized.
She further noted, “This is not about sympathy. It is about ensuring equity, enhancing policy outcomes, and allowing women to have a meaningful voice in governance. Once we achieve a critical mass, women can compete equally and make policy decisions that reflect their lived experiences.”
Constituency Achievements and Legislative Work
Reflecting on her achievements, Kingibe highlighted her active role in both constituency projects and legislative duties. “I have delivered over 50 constituency projects, including water supply initiatives, road repairs, and skill acquisition programs. I have sponsored bills, motions, and empowerment programs. My role is to legislate, oversee, and represent my people. Constituents expect me to speak up, and I will continue to do so regardless of party alignment,” she said.
ADC’s Emergence as Opposition Force
On the growing influence of the ADC in the Senate, Kingibe said the party’s emergence is critical to ensuring Nigeria does not fall into single-party dominance. “We must win first, of course. But a coalition is forming to provide an alternative to APC. Opposition is not about numbers but principles. Democracy needs contrary views to thrive. This coalition is still in its infancy, but it is growing, uniting smaller parties, and presenting a credible choice for Nigerians ahead of future elections,” she said.
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