ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has declared her readiness to work for any candidate that emerges as the presidential flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmaker, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, said her loyalty was to Nigeria and democratic opposition rather than to any individual aspirant, stressing that she would support whoever the ADC presents as its standard-bearer.
Describing herself as a nationalist, Kingibe said the possibility of Peter Obi clinching the ADC ticket remained open but not guaranteed.
“I am a nationalist. The truth is that Peter Obi may be the candidate of the ADC in 2027; he may not be,” she said.
According to her, her decision to join the ADC was driven by her belief in strengthening opposition politics and safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
“I joined the ADC as an opposition to support the party and whoever the candidate is. If it is Peter Obi, very well and good, we will work for him. If it is not, whoever it is, we will work for the person too,” Kingibe stated.
She added that the electorate ultimately determines leadership and that democracy must be respected, regardless of personal political preferences.
READ ALSO: 2027: Wike Poses No Political Threat To Me – Ireti Kingibe
“If the country chooses to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then so be it; he will be the President. But I have always believed in the opposition. I don’t think a one-party state is the best thing for our democracy,” she said.
Speaking on governance under the current administration, the senator said many Nigerians were struggling economically and were yet to feel the expected benefits of government policies.
She argued that the tax burden on citizens remained excessive and called for urgent policy adjustments to ease the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
According to her, President Bola Tinubu should reassess how his policies are affecting the masses, particularly in terms of taxation and cost of living.
On claims by the President that the sacrifices being made by Nigerians would soon yield positive results, Kingibe expressed cautious skepticism.
“I don’t know if we are nearing the end. The truth is that there is bound to be some pain, but I think certain things can be put in place to alleviate the discomfort for the people,” she said.
She further noted that even well-intentioned policies could fail if poorly implemented or circumvented.
READ ALSO: Threat To Obi Is A Threat To All Nigerians — Atiku
“The President’s intentions are good, but implementation is the challenge,” she added.
Meanwhile, Kingibe, who recently defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC, said the LP was no longer a viable platform for electoral contests in Nigeria.
She explained that the party had become deeply factionalised, insisting that her defection should not be seen as political disloyalty.
“There are two Labour Party ships,” she said, arguing that the internal crisis made it impossible to operate effectively within the party.
The senator also dismissed suggestions that her political future was threatened by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to her, Wike had no influence over her chances of returning to the Senate in the 2027 elections.
“He has no say whether I will return to the Senate or not,” she stated.