Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has warned that Nigeria risks drifting toward a one-party political system, insisting that democracy can only survive where a vibrant opposition exists.
Kingibe made this known during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where she explained that her recent defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress was driven by the need to strengthen opposition politics and safeguard the country’s democratic structure.
The senator’s move came alongside eight other lawmakers who also defected to the ADC in what observers describe as one of the most notable political realignments in the current Senate. Those who joined the ADC include Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, Binos Dauda Yaroe, Austin Akobundu and Lawal Adamu Usman from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Others are Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye from the Labour Party, as well as Enyinnaya Abaribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Defending her decision, Kingibe dismissed criticisms trailing the defections, describing them as politically motivated. According to her, several senators had previously defected to the All Progressives Congress without attracting the level of scrutiny currently directed at lawmakers who chose the ADC.
“Senator after senator moved to the APC without any serious questions. Nobody raised alarms or threatened their seats. But the moment some of us decided to join the ADC, the narrative suddenly changed,” she said.
She explained that the prolonged leadership crisis within the Labour Party made it difficult for lawmakers elected on the platform to function effectively.
“For almost two years the party has been battling internal factional disputes despite court rulings. Many of us realized the platform could no longer support our political activities effectively. Our decision was not personal but a collective effort to protect opposition politics and ensure our constituents remain properly represented,” she added.
Kingibe stressed that democracy requires strong alternative voices capable of holding the ruling party accountable. She warned that a political environment dominated by a single party could weaken public debate and reduce accountability in governance.
“Democracy cannot thrive where one party controls everything. Opposition is necessary to challenge policies, offer alternatives and ensure accountability. Our decision is about protecting democratic principles, not merely about numbers,” she stated.
The FCT senator also defended the growing influence of the ADC, describing it as a platform capable of providing credible opposition ahead of future elections. According to her, a coalition of political actors is gradually forming around the party to present Nigerians with a viable alternative.
On the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act seeking to criminalize dual party membership, Kingibe warned against what she described as unnecessary legislation. She argued that political parties should have the freedom to determine their membership without government interference.
She also reiterated her commitment to gender inclusion in governance, revealing that she had sponsored a Gender Equal Opportunity Bill seeking to reserve at least 35 percent of elective and appointive positions for women.
“This is an affirmative action policy aimed at bridging the gender gap in governance. Women must be present where decisions are taken because policies often affect them directly,” she said.
Highlighting her legislative work, Kingibe noted that she had facilitated more than 50 constituency projects across the Federal Capital Territory, including water supply schemes, road repairs and skill acquisition programmes.
She maintained that her priority remains effective representation for her constituents and continued advocacy for a democratic system where multiple political voices can thrive.
