Senator Ireti Kingibe has warned that Nigeria’s democracy could be endangered if the country gradually drifts toward a one-party political system, stressing that a vibrant opposition is essential for democratic stability.
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory explained that her recent defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress was driven by a desire to strengthen opposition voices in the Senate and preserve Nigeria’s multiparty democratic structure.
Her move came amid a significant political realignment in the National Assembly, where eight other senators from different political parties also joined the ADC. The lawmakers 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 from the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
Kingibe dismissed criticisms trailing her defection, describing the reactions as politically selective. According to her, several senators have moved to the All Progressives Congress in the current Senate without attracting similar scrutiny.
She said, “Senator after senator has decamped to the APC in the 10th Senate without question. No one raised alarms or threatened their seats. But when we chose the ADC, suddenly the narrative changed. The criticism is political, not procedural. Our goal is to maintain a healthy opposition and ensure democracy thrives with contrary views.”
The senator also cited the prolonged internal crisis within the Labour Party as a major factor behind her decision to leave the platform.
She noted that persistent factional disputes and unresolved leadership battles had made it difficult for the party to function effectively or support the work of its elected representatives.
Kingibe argued that democracy cannot flourish in an environment where a single party dominates all levels of governance. According to her, the presence of a strong opposition encourages accountability, promotes debate, and offers citizens alternative policy directions.
She also highlighted the local political realities in the Federal Capital Territory, explaining that the Labour Party’s internal crisis prevented it from fielding candidates in some recent local government elections. She added that a large percentage of her supporters in the FCT were already aligning with the ADC.
On the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act aimed at criminalizing dual party membership, the senator cautioned against excessive legislation. She maintained that political parties should determine their own membership rules rather than relying on punitive laws to regulate political participation.
Beyond party politics, Kingibe reaffirmed her commitment to gender inclusion in governance. She revealed that she had sponsored a Gender Equal Opportunity Bill seeking to reserve at least 35 percent of elective and appointive positions for women as part of efforts to address the gender imbalance in Nigerian politics.
Reflecting on her legislative record, the FCT lawmaker said she had executed more than 50 constituency projects, including water supply schemes, road repairs, and skill acquisition programmes.
She added that her responsibility remains to legislate, oversee government activities, and represent the interests of her constituents.
Kingibe expressed optimism that the African Democratic Congress could evolve into a formidable opposition platform, noting that discussions were ongoing among smaller parties and political actors to form a broader coalition capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative ahead of future elections.
