Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return to the Senate in 2027, accusing her of failing to offer meaningful representation to residents of the territory.
Wike spoke on Tuesday while inspecting ongoing road projects in Abuja.
His comment followed Kingibe’s criticism of the FCT Administration over its borrowing activities.
In August, Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, questioned the legality of loans being obtained by the FCT Administration under Wike.
The senator said she had raised concerns with the Senate leadership, alleging that the minister had not appeared before the National Assembly to seek approval for the borrowings.
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“I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly and before the Senate to ask for approval of anything,” Kingibe said.
Wike Defends FCT Borrowing
Responding to the allegation, Wike said Kingibe’s position demonstrated a lack of understanding of the process through which government borrowing is approved.
“There is no way you can go and take a loan without the approval of the National Assembly. If you want to take a loan, you will include it in the budget and state that, in this aspect of the budget, the government will take out a loan,” he said.
Wike also dismissed the possibility of Kingibe returning to the Senate after the 2027 election.
“I don’t want to comment about her. She is already packing her things out. The people of the FCT have made their choice. They are going to support President Tinubu and Philip Aduda for Senate,” he said.
The minister further accused Kingibe of failing “in all ramifications” as a senator and said she had not delivered meaningful development to the people of the FCT.
He said Kingibe should instead be concerned about whether the loans were being properly utilised for infrastructure projects and whether residents were benefiting from them.
Agbese Defends Wike
Earlier in September, Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, also defended Wike over the borrowing controversy.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said the minister followed due process in securing funds for projects and programmes in the FCT.
Wike and Kingibe have remained at odds over the administration of the FCT, with both politicians publicly exchanging criticisms over issues concerning the territory.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.