Wike fires back at Ireti Kingibe: ‘Go to Satellite towns and tell them Tinubu made a mistake’

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dared Senator Ireti Kingibe to hit the satellite towns of Abuja and convince residents that appointing him as minister was a mistake.

Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, issued the challenge on Tuesday in response to Kingibe’s comment during a TV interview on Monday night, where she said President Bola Tinubu’s biggest mistake was making Wike FCT Minister.

In a statement, Olayinka accused the senator of being “blinded by the spirit of an impending defeat” and ignoring the “massive transformation” in Abuja and its suburbs under Wike’s leadership.

He said, “If she is truly confident in her political weight, let her visit Saburi, Dei Dei, Kabusa, Ketti, Yangoji, Pai, Gomani, Gishiri, Kwaita, Yebu, Sukuku, and others that now have good roads. Let her tell them that Tinubu made a mistake.”

The aide also listed out Wike’s achievements, including relocation plans for Apo Mechanic traders after 15 years, development at Federal Capital Territory University in Abaji, and renovation of over 60 schools in 12 months.

Olayinka mocked Kingibe’s political chances in 2027, claiming she “accidentally” got to the Senate in 2023 and would lose her seat next time.

“At 71, she should stop hiding under the name of Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, who is no longer her husband, and use her real name,” he added.

The war of words comes as political tension in the FCT heats up, with Wike positioning himself as a key figure in Tinubu’s administration while Kingibe intensifies her criticism ahead of 2027.