Ireti Kingibe won’t return as FCT Senator in 2027 –  Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not secure a second term in 2027, citing a lack of tangible projects during her tenure.

Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike linked his prediction to what he described as Kingibe’s failure to deliver meaningful development for residents of the FCT.

“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,” he said.

Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate and was elected on the platform of the Labour Party in 2023, has faced criticism for being largely absent from satellite communities, areas known for high voter turnout. Wike noted, “She is not there. Go to the satellite towns where the real voters are. She is not there.”

The minister’s renewed comments follow Kingibe’s recent accusations that Wike ignored her letters and messages on worsening insecurity and inadequate social amenities in the territory, including water scarcity.

During the media session, Wike also defended his movements 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,” Wike said. “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.”

He added that he visited about 10 polling units and rejected claims that his presence influenced the outcome. “And how does it influence the election? I wasn’t on the ballot and I never said people should vote for any party,” he said.