Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike stated on Tuesday that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return to the Senate in 2027. He made the remarks while inspecting ongoing road projects in the FCT.
Wike responded to earlier comments by Kingibe. She had accused the FCT Administration of obtaining loans without National Assembly approval. The minister rejected the claim and linked it to his prediction about her political future.
Wike addressed journalists during the inspection. He said, “She is illiterate, with all due respect, and that is why she is not going back to the Senate. She has nothing to offer to the people of the FCT.”
He continued, “There is no way you can go and take a loan without the approval of the National Assembly. Anyone taking a loan, you will include it in the budget; this aspect of the budget, the government is going to collect the loan.”
Furthermore, Wike added that he would not spend more time on the matter. He stated, “I don’t want to comment about her. When the time is right, let her pack her bags out, the people have made their choice by agreeing to support President Tinubu, and then will support Philip Aduda for Senate.”
The exchange followed previous public disagreements between the two officials. Kingibe, elected in 2023 on the Labour Party platform, later moved to the African Democratic Congress. She had criticized Wike’s performance in earlier interviews and claimed he sidelined her on FCT issues.
Meanwhile, Wike insisted residents had already shown support for President Bola Tinubu. He said the people would back Philip Aduda for the Senate seat. He concluded, “So, let us not waste our time reacting to inferiors who failed in all ramifications. I don’t want to react to it, I am above that.”
The comments came as both figures prepared for the 2027 general elections. Wike focused on defending infrastructure projects funded through approved budgets.
