Ireti Kingibe will not return to Senate in 2027 — Wike
By Jeffrey Agbo
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has again stated that Ireti Kingibe will not make a return to the Senate in 2027, maintaining that the lawmaker has “no project to show” for her tenure.
Wike made the remarks on Monday during a media parley in Abuja, where he tied his prediction to what he described as Kingibe’s inability to deliver visible and impactful projects for residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the minister, the senator’s performance in office does not justify another term, insisting that the absence of tangible achievements would ultimately determine her political fate in the next election cycle.
“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 represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate and was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party (LP). She has since left the LP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Wike added that the senator has largely been absent from satellite communities, which he described as areas where voter turnout is usually high.
“She is not there. Go to the satellite towns where the real voters are. She is not there,” he said.
The minister had in 2024 publicly declared that Kingibe would not secure a second term in 2027.
The latest comments come after the senator accused Wike of ignoring her letters and messages over worsening insecurity in the territory. Kingibe had also alleged that the minister lacked commitment to the welfare of FCT residents, citing water scarcity and other social challenges.
During the media interaction, Wike also defended his presence at several polling units during the recent FCT area council elections, following criticisms 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, “I wasn’t a candidate in the election. As the chief security officer, I have the right to have the view of what was going on.”
The minister disclosed that he visited about 10 polling units and rejected claims that his presence influenced the outcome of the polls.
“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.”
