The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return to the Senate in 2027, insisting that she has no tangible projects to justify re-election.
Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the National Assembly, was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party and has since defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Political tensions between the two figures have persisted, particularly over governance and development issues in the FCT.
Wike Challenges Kingibe’s Record
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike maintained that the senator’s legislative record lacks visible development initiatives.
“I had said it more than one year ago, Senator Ireti, you won’t come back as a senator. That’s why you people don’t like people who tell you the truth. It’s bitter. Let her show one project,” he stated.
He further alleged that Kingibe has not been sufficiently present in satellite communities across the territory, areas he noted often account for significant voter turnout during elections.
Kingibe had earlier accused the minister of being uncooperative in efforts to attract development projects to the FCT. Appearing on a television programme, she claimed that despite writing to the minister to seek collaboration aimed at improving infrastructure and services, she had not received a positive response.
Polling Unit Controversy
Wike also addressed criticisms from opposition parties regarding his visits to polling units during the February 21 FCT area council elections.
Defending his actions, the minister argued that as the territory’s chief security officer, he has the right to monitor activities at polling centres.
“I have the rights, I am the governor of 3,000 polling units. For security, I have to find out what is going on. I don’t have to be told, I am not a candidate for the election,” he said.
“Somebody has said I move about. How many polling units in FCT? FCT has not less than 3,000 polling units. Assuming I went to 10 polling units to check what was going on, how will it affect 3,000 polling units?
“As a candidate, I cannot move around. I must have my agents. As the Chief Security Officer, I have a right to have a view of what is going on and how does it affect, influence the election?”
The former Rivers State governor argued that the opposition’s performance in the council polls reflected poor preparation, adding that the outcome demonstrated the effectiveness of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The exchange underscores ongoing political tensions within the FCT as political actors begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
