The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that Ireti Kingibe will not secure re-election to the Senate in 2027, arguing that her record lacks tangible projects to support a return.
Kingibe who represents FCT in the Senate was in 2023 voted into office under the platform of the Labour Party (LP) before recently defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike reiterated his position, tying his prediction to what he described as a lack of visible development initiatives.
“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 stated.
Wike also asserted that the senator has not been sufficiently present in satellite communities, which he noted are often areas with high voter participation during elections.
During the recent FCT area council elections, opposition parties criticised visits to polling units by the FCT Minister.
However, Nyesom Wike defended the action, stating that as the territory’s chief security officer he has the right to visit polling areas.
The former Rivers State governor stated that his movements during the February 21 area council elections did not influence the outcome of the polls.
“I have the rights, I am the governor of 3,000 polling units. For security, I have to find out what is going on. I don’t have to be told, I am not a candidate for the election,” Wike stated.
