By Achile Danjuma
The political rift between Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Senator Ireti Kingibe has deepened, with the minister reiterating his assertion that the lawmaker will not be re-elected in 2027. Wike made the comments during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, challenging Kingibe to present her developmental achievements in the territory.
“I said it more than a year ago, Senator Ireti, you won’t come back,” Wike stated. “That’s why you people don’t like people who tell you the truth. It’s bitter. Let her show one project.”
Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate and was elected in 2023 under the Labour Party, has been a vocal critic of the minister. Wike’s latest remarks double down on a prediction he first made publicly in 2024.
The minister specifically criticized the senator’s engagement with satellite towns, which he characterized as crucial voting blocs. “She is not there. Go to the satellite towns where the real voters are. She is not there,” he said.
These comments represent the latest escalation in a public dispute between the two officials. They follow recent accusations from Kingibe that Wike has been unresponsive to her communications regarding the deteriorating security situation in the nation’s capital. She has also previously criticized the minister’s handling of social challenges in the FCT, including persistent water scarcity.
During the same media interaction, Wike also addressed criticism from opposition parties over his presence at multiple polling units during the recent FCT area council elections. He dismissed claims that his visits were inappropriate or designed to influence the outcome.
“I’m the governor of FCT,” Wike asserted, referencing his administrative role. “For security, I have to find out what is going on. I don’t need to be told.”
He further clarified his position, stating, “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 approximately 10 polling units and firmly rejected the notion that his presence swayed the results. “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.”