Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has stated that Senator Ireti Kingibe is unlikely to return to the Senate in 2027, citing a lack of tangible projects during her tenure.
Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the upper legislative chamber, was elected on the Labour Party (LP) platform in 2023. Wike, who previously vowed that Kingibe would not secure re-election, argued that her absence from project implementation would affect her political future.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike said, “I had said it more than a year ago, Senator Ireti, you won’t come back as a senator. Let her show one project. People don’t like to hear the truth, but the reality is clear.”
Wike also criticised Kingibe’s limited engagement with satellite communities, where voter turnout is traditionally high.
POLLING UNIT VISITS DEFENDED
The minister defended his presence at several polling units during the recent FCT area council elections, which drew criticism from opposition parties. He said, “As the chief security officer of the territory, it is my duty to monitor security. I was not a candidate, and I did not instruct anyone on whom to vote for. My visits were strictly to oversee the security situation.”
Wike confirmed that he visited about 10 polling units, rejecting allegations of interference with the electoral process. He also dismissed comparisons with previous ministers, saying, “Just because past ministers did not focus on development does not mean I should follow suit.”
Kingibe, meanwhile, had earlier expressed concerns over rising insecurity in the FCT and alleged that her correspondence to Wike on the issue went unanswered.
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