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The lawmaker who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the National Assembly, Senator Ireti Kingibe, has declared her readiness to support whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general elections, including former Labour Party flagbearer, Peter Obi.
Kingibe, speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, on Wednesday, said her political stance is driven by nationalism, not personal loyalty.
She said, “I am a nationalist. The truth is that Peter Obi may be the candidate of the ADC in 2027; he may not be.
“I joined the ADC as an opposition to support the party and whoever the candidate is; if it’s Peter Obi, very well and good, we will work for him. If he is not, whoever it is, we will work for the person too.”
The lawmaker dismissed suggestions that Nigeria should operate as a one-party state, stressing the importance of a vibrant opposition in strengthening democracy.
“I’ve always believed in the opposition; I don’t think a one-party state is the best thing for our democracy,” she said.
According to her, if Nigerians vote to retain President Bola Tinubu in 2027, she would respect the electorate’s will.
“If the country chooses to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, then so be it, then he will be the President,” Kingibe added.
‘Nigerians Not Doing Well Under Tinubu’
The senator criticised the current economic situation under the Tinubu administration, stating that Nigerians are not faring well as expected.
She specifically called on the president to review his economic policies, especially taxation, which she believes is weighing heavily on the masses.
Kingibe said, “Nigerians could do with a lot less tax. I think that certain things can be put in place to alleviate the discomfort for the people.”
Responding to Tinubu’s earlier statement that Nigerians’ economic sacrifices would soon yield results, Kingibe said she wasn’t convinced the country was nearing the end of the hardship.
“I don’t know if we are nearing the end. The truth is that there is bound to be some pain,” she stated, adding that implementation of government policies remains a key challenge.
“Though the President’s intentions are good, implementation is the problem. His policies won’t work if they are circumvented,” she said.
