The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory at the National Assembly, Ireti Kingibe, has firmly rejected suggestions that her political future is being threatened by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
She made it clear that the minister has no power to determine whether she returns to the Senate in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Kingibe was direct when asked if she felt politically intimidated by Wike. “Absolutely no,” she said, dismissing the notion outright. According to her, the former Rivers State governor does not possess the authority to influence electoral outcomes in the FCT, as such decisions rest solely with the electorate.
She explained that voting patterns in the FCT have historically resisted individual control, regardless of political standing. “The truth of the matter is that from (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo to now, hardly anybody controls how the people of the FCT vote,” she stated.
Emphasising this point further, Kingibe said, “Minister Awike cannot make me win, nor can he make me lose, just like he cannot impose anybody on the FCT. The FCT is not structured that way. So I’m absolutely not threatened by him.”
The senator also addressed her recent decision to leave the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, explaining that the move was based on strategic considerations rather than personal rivalry. She said the ADC had emerged as a practical platform for politicians seeking re-election in 2027 after exiting the Labour Party.
“I moved to the ADC because that’s where all of us who are intending to run, seeking re-election in 2027, from the Labour Party decided to move to, even those who are looking for area council elections,” she explained.
According to Kingibe, having a credible political platform is essential for electoral participation, and the ADC currently offers that opportunity within the opposition space. “So to run, you have to have a platform, and the ADC is the viable alternative to the Labour Party if you’re in the opposition. That’s what it is all about,” she said.
She insisted that her political choices had nothing to do with Wike, adding, “It’s not about Minister Wike. Let’s see what happens in the local government elections before he talks about 2027.”
Looking ahead, the lawmaker suggested that the FCT may not even be a central concern for the minister by the time the next general elections approach. “And I do believe that come 2027, I don’t think the FCT will be his priority; he’ll have other things to do instead of worrying about who returns in the FCT or not,” she noted.
In her assessment of Wike’s performance as FCT minister, Kingibe acknowledged that there were critical areas requiring improvement, particularly waste management and healthcare delivery.
She expressed concern over the condition of public health facilities, stating that many are poorly equipped and unable to provide basic medical services. According to her, “some health facilities in the FCT cannot offer more than paracetamol.”
She also called for stricter adherence to the rule of law in the administration of the territory. Elaborating on the healthcare challenges, Kingibe said, “But then also, I have issues with health: the hospitals are empty.
There’s nothing. I can go with you to several hospitals in the FCT. You’ll see that more than Panadol, you cannot get. All these are issues that affect the well-being of the citizens,” underscoring her concerns about the welfare of residents.
What you should know
Senator Ireti Kingibe’s comments highlight ongoing political tensions within the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 elections.
Her remarks reinforce the long-held view that FCT voters are largely independent and resistant to political imposition. By downplaying the influence of the FCT minister and justifying her switch from the Labour Party to the ADC, Kingibe positions herself as focused on voter choice and governance issues rather than political power struggles.
Her criticism of healthcare and service delivery also reflects broader concerns about public welfare in the nation’s capital.
