The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has dismissed speculation that her political career is under threat from the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Kingibe said the minister has “no say” in whether she returns to the Senate in the 2027 general elections, stressing that electoral outcomes in the FCT are determined solely by voters.
“Absolutely no,” she said when asked if she felt politically threatened by Wike during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
According to the lawmaker, the former Rivers State governor neither has the power to secure her victory nor cause her defeat at the polls.
“The truth of the matter is that from the time of former President Olusegun Obasanjo till now, hardly anyone controls how the people of the FCT vote,” she said.
“Minister Wike cannot make me win, nor can he make me lose, just as he cannot impose anyone on the FCT. The FCT is not structured that way, so I am absolutely not threatened by him.”
Kingibe also explained her recent defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a strategic decision rather than a reaction to Wike’s influence.
“I moved to the ADC because that is where all of us from the Labour Party who intend to seek re-election in 2027 decided to go, including those contesting area council elections,” she said.
“To run, you need a platform, and the ADC is the viable alternative to the Labour Party for those of us in the opposition. This has nothing to do with Minister Wike.”
She added that discussions about 2027 were premature, urging focus on upcoming local government elections.
“Let’s see what happens in the local government elections before talking about 2027. I don’t believe the FCT will be his priority by then; he will have other matters to attend to,” she said.
Assessing the minister’s performance, Kingibe noted that key sectors such as waste management and healthcare in the FCT require urgent attention.
She lamented the poor state of some health facilities, claiming they lack basic medical supplies.
“There are hospitals in the FCT where you cannot get more than paracetamol,” she said. “These are issues that directly affect the well-being of citizens.”
The senator also urged the minister to adhere more strictly to the rule of law in the administration of the territory.
