The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has maintained that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not secure re-election in 2027, arguing that her tenure lacks visible projects that could justify a return to the Senate.
Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the National Assembly, was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party but has since defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Political tensions between both figures have persisted, particularly over governance and development issues in the territory.
The senator recently accused the minister of being uncooperative in efforts to deliver development projects to FCT residents. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, she claimed that despite formally reaching out to the minister, she had received no positive response regarding collaboration to improve infrastructure and services.
However, Wike, speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, dismissed the claims and reiterated his earlier prediction that Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027. He linked his assertion to what he described as her lack of tangible development initiatives.
“I said it more than one year ago, Senator Ireti will not come back as a senator. That’s why people don’t like hearing the truth; it’s bitter. Let her point to one project,” Wike said.
The minister also argued that the senator has not maintained sufficient presence in satellite communities, areas he noted often record high voter turnout during elections.
Defends polling unit visits
Addressing criticism from opposition parties over his visits to polling units during the recent FCT Area Council elections, Wike defended his actions, insisting that as the territory’s chief security officer, he has the authority to monitor proceedings.
The former Rivers State governor said his movements during the February 21 area council polls did not influence the outcome.
“I have the right. As the Chief Security Officer, I must know what is happening. I was not a candidate in the election,” he stated.
He noted that the FCT has nearly 3,000 polling units, arguing that visiting a handful could not have affected the overall results.
“If I visited 10 polling units out of about 3,000, how would that influence the election? As a candidate, you move with agents. But as Chief Security Officer, I have the right to observe what is going on,” he said.
Wike further attributed the opposition’s performance in the elections to poor preparation, adding that the results recorded by the All Progressives Congress reflected confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
