The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not secure a second term in the Senate in 2027, claiming the lawmaker has no tangible achievements to present to voters.
Wike made the remarks during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, linking his prediction to what he described as Kingibe’s failure to deliver projects for residents of the FCT.
“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,” Wike said.
Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party.
Criticism Over Grassroots Presence
The minister further alleged that the senator has been largely absent from satellite communities in the territory, which he described as key voting areas.
“She is not there. Go to the satellite towns where the real voters are. She is not there,” he said.
Wike had previously declared in 2024 that Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027.
The renewed criticism comes after Kingibe accused the minister of ignoring her letters and messages regarding worsening insecurity in the FCT. She had also faulted him over issues affecting residents, including water scarcity and other social challenges.
Defence of Election-Day Movements
During the media interaction, Wike also defended his presence at several polling units during the recent FCT area council elections, following criticism from opposition parties.
“I’m the governor of FCT. For security, I have to find out what is going on. I don’t need to be told,” he said.
He added that he was not a candidate in the election and therefore could not have influenced the outcome.
“As the chief security officer, I have the right to have the view of what was going on,” Wike stated.
The minister disclosed that he visited about 10 polling units out of the more than 3,000 in the territory and dismissed claims that his presence affected the results.
“And how does it influence the election?” he asked. “I wasn’t on the ballot and I never said people should vote for any party.”
What you should know
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has again predicted that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return to the Senate in 2027, accusing her of failing to deliver projects and neglecting key communities.
His remarks follow ongoing tensions between both politicians over insecurity and governance issues in the Federal Capital Territory.
