Senator Kingibe raises the alarm on one-party drift…

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed concern over the gradual drift towards one-party rule in Nigeria, insisting that a vibrant opposition is crucial to the survival of democracy.

The senator, who spoke in an exclusive interview on Friday on Frontline, a current affairs program on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, stressed that her recent defection from the Labor Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was motivated by commitment to preserving a multi-party system and strengthening opposition voices in the Senate.

Recall that Kingibe joined eight other senators in defecting from their respective ADC parties on Thursday, 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) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Others are Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) of the Labor Party, Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), along with Kingibe herself.

■ Unequal control and political backlash

Kingibe rejected criticism of his move, highlighting what he described as a double standard in Nigerian politics. “One senator after another moved to the APC in the 10th Senate without asking any questions. No one raised alarms; no one threatened their seats. But when we chose the ADC, suddenly the narrative changed. Criticism is political, not procedural. Our goal is to maintain a healthy opposition and ensure that democracy thrives with contrary views, not to allow one party to dominate,” he said.

He further explained: “The Labor Party has, for almost two years, been paralyzed by factional infighting. The courts have handed down rulings, but leadership disputes continue. I and many other senators realized that 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 that our constituents are represented by a functional and credible platform.”

Kingibe expressed frustration with the selective focus on the ADC over the APC: “The problem is not our defection, but the hypocrisy in the political discourse. When senators moved to the APC, it was barely mentioned. But the growth of the ADC, its potential to challenge one-party rule, suddenly becomes the headlines. That tells you more about the political culture than it does about us. Democracy needs a counterweight, and the ADC is emerging like that alternative.”

■ Defense of the multi-party principle

The senator stressed that Nigerian democracy only thrives when opposition parties are allowed to operate without intimidation. “We refuse to be part of a one-party system. Democracy cannot work if one party dominates every sphere of political life. A system without a solid opposition stifles debate, reduces accountability and limits political alternatives. It is not a question of numbers; it is a question of principles. We support a multi-party system where every voice has a chance to be heard,” he said.

Kingibe also highlighted the strategic importance of his intervention in local politics. “In the FCT, the Labor Party did not even field candidates in the recent local government elections due to internal factionalism. At least 70% of my supporters in the constituency are moving with me to the ADC. Politics is local. My responsibility is to ensure effective representation, not blindly adhere to party loyalty,” he said.

■ Modification of the electoral law and political freedom

On the proposed amendment to the electoral law that seeks to criminalize membership of two parties, Kingibe sounded a note of caution regarding excessive 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 who can belong to which party? Democracy is about individual freedom guided by reasonable rules, not trivial constraints,” he said.

He warned that limiting political mobility could undermine the emergence of a credible opposition. “The country needs political flexibility to allow emerging parties like the ADC to grow. Without such flexibility, Nigeria risks sliding towards a one-party state where the opposition is symbolic rather than effective,” Kingibe added.

■ Promote women’s participation in politics

Kingibe also reiterated her commitment to improving women’s representation in governance. “I have sponsored a gender equality bill that proposes that at least 35% of elected and appointive positions be reserved for women. This is an affirmative action policy aimed at closing the gender gap. Women must be at the table to legislate on issues that directly affect them. Globally, delegations without female representation are penalized in international parliamentary processes. Nigeria cannot be left behind,” she stressed.

She further noted, “It’s not about sympathy. It’s about ensuring fairness, improving political outcomes, and allowing women to have a meaningful voice in governance. Once they reach a critical mass, women can compete fairly and make political decisions that reflect their lived experiences.”

■ Constituency results and legislative work

Reflecting on his achievements, Kingibe highlighted his active role in both electoral projects and legislative tasks. “I have implemented over 50 election projects, including water supply initiatives, road repairs and skill acquisition programmes. I have sponsored bills, motions and empowerment programmes. My role is to legislate, supervise and represent my people. Voters expect me to speak out and I will continue to do so regardless of party alignment,” he said.

■ The emergence of the ADC as an opposition force

On the growing influence of the ADC in the Senate, Kingibe said the emergence of the party is critical to ensuring that Nigeria does not fall into one-party dominance. “We must win first, of course. But a coalition is being formed to provide an alternative to the APC. Opposition is not a question of numbers but of 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,” he said.

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