‘You Won’t Return To Senate’ – Wike Tells Ireti Kingibe

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return to the National Assembly after the 2027 election.

Wike made the statement on Tuesday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

His comments followed criticism from Kingibe over the FCT Administration’s borrowing and its use of loans to finance infrastructure projects.

Wike defended the loans obtained by the FCT Administration, saying they were secured through due process and had the required approval from the National Assembly.

He argued that the focus should be on how borrowed funds were being used to develop infrastructure and improve the lives of residents rather than simply questioning the decision to obtain loans.

The minister also linked Kingibe’s criticism to the political season, noting that the ban on campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections had recently been lifted.

Wike said the ongoing projects across the FCT were part of the administration’s work and pointed to the infrastructure being delivered as evidence of its activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

He further said FCT residents had already indicated their support for President Bola Tinubu and Philip Aduda, whom he identified as the candidate he expects residents to support for the FCT Senate seat.

Wike dismissed the possibility of Kingibe returning to the Senate and criticised her ability to contribute to the development of the territory.

Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate, had raised concerns over the FCT Administration’s borrowing and questioned whether the loans had received the necessary legislative approval.

Meanwhile, Wike said he was satisfied with the progress of the road projects inspected during his visit.

The projects included the N1 road and other stretches linking Tunga Madaki, Zuba and Kagini. He said the completed infrastructure would improve economic activities and benefit residents of communities connected by the roads.