The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has restated his position that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not secure a second term in the Senate in 2027, arguing that the lawmaker has not delivered visible projects to residents of the territory.
Wike made the remarks on Monday during a media parley in Abuja, where he criticised Kingibe’s performance since her election in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party.
According to the minister, he had predicted more than a year ago that the senator would not return to the National Assembly, maintaining that her record in office does not justify re-election.
“I said it over a year ago — Senator Ireti will not return in 2027. People don’t like hearing the truth because it is bitter. Let her point to just one project,” Wike said.
Kingibe currently represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate.
Wike further alleged that the senator has not maintained a strong presence in satellite communities within the FCT, areas he described as having significant voter strength.
“She is not there. Go to the satellite towns where the real voters are — she is not present,” he stated.
The minister had earlier, in 2024, publicly declared that Kingibe would not win a second term.
His latest comments come amid rising tensions between both officials. Recently, Kingibe accused the minister of failing to respond to her letters and messages concerning growing insecurity in the FCT. She also criticised what she described as insufficient attention to residents’ welfare, pointing to issues such as water shortages and other social challenges.
Addressing criticisms over his presence at several polling units during the recent FCT area council elections, Wike defended his actions, insisting that his attendance was in line with his responsibilities.
“I am the governor of the FCT. For security reasons, I must know what is happening. I don’t need anyone’s permission to do that,” he said.
He emphasised that he was not a candidate in the election and denied influencing the voting process.
“I was not on the ballot and I never asked anyone to vote for any party. So how does my presence influence the election?” he queried.
The exchange highlights the growing political friction within the FCT as attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 general elections.
Wike Says Ireti Kingibe Won’t Return to Senate in 2027, Cites ‘Lack of Tangible Projects
