Kingibe Challenges Wike Over FCT Loans, 2027 Senate Bid

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to recent remarks by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, saying political pressure would not stop her from questioning government decisions.

Kingibe made her position known in a post on X on Thursday while reacting to Wike’s comments about her criticism of the FCT Administration and her chances of returning to the Senate in 2027.

The senator said questioning government activities, public spending and borrowing was part of her responsibility as a legislator. She maintained that raising concerns about the management of public resources should not be regarded as disrespect towards government officials.

Kingibe also challenged Wike to provide official records showing that the Senate had approved loans obtained by the FCT Administration.

She said she was not aware of the matter being presented to the Senate and called for the relevant legislative records to be made public so that residents could independently verify the claim.

The senator maintained that every public official, regardless of position, should be open to scrutiny and accountability. She said ministers and other government officials were subject to the law and could be questioned over decisions involving public resources.

Kingibe also rejected Wike’s suggestion that he or anyone else could determine her political future. She said voters in the territory would ultimately decide who would represent the FCT in the Senate after the 2027 election.

The senator further criticised what she described as attempts to silence women who hold public office. She said female politicians should be able to question government policies and express their views on public affairs without facing intimidation or personal attacks.

Kingibe said she would continue to raise issues affecting residents of the FCT and examine government decisions where she believed public accountability required it.

She added that she would remain focused on her legislative responsibilities despite the ongoing disagreement with the FCT minister.

The exchange between Kingibe and Wike comes amid a growing disagreement over the FCT Administration’s borrowing, infrastructure projects and political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.