Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe has secured the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) senatorial election after a commanding victory in the party’s primary, polling 17,535 votes.
Her closest rival, Mubarak Tijjani, trailed far behind with 806 votes in the keenly contested exercise held in Abuja.
Announcing the result, the Chairman and Returning Officer for the Senate and House of Representatives primaries, Abubakar Adamu, declared Kingibe winner of the election.
“Having scored the highest number of votes of 17,535, and by the powers conferred on me as the returning officer for the Senate and House of Representatives Primary Elections, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe is declared winner of the election,” Adamu stated.
The party also concluded its House of Representatives primaries in the FCT, producing candidates for two federal constituencies.
In the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency, Bala Iyah emerged victorious with 4,937 votes, defeating Yahaya Fatima Goya, who scored 2,015 votes, Ma’aji Johnson Bello with 1,546 votes, and Ismaila Ishak Ozigi with 105 votes.
For the Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kwali/Kuje Federal Constituency, Alhassan Salihu clinched the ADC ticket with 9,016 votes, defeating Khalid A. Haruna, who polled 2,955 votes.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the primaries and supervised the collation of results, ensuring compliance with electoral guidelines.
Speaking after his emergence, Iyah expressed confidence in the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing his victory as a reflection of grassroots support.
“I want to assure you that with this victory I am ready, by the special grace of God, for the 2027 election because my people are ready. I am a grassroots politician and I understand the terrain,” Iyah said.
He added that his acceptance among constituents and long-standing political experience would give him an edge in the general election.
The ADC primaries in the FCT are seen as a significant step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, as it seeks to strengthen its presence and offer alternative leadership at both federal and legislative levels.
