Senator Ireti Kingibe has responded to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, stating that she did not enter public service to be intimidated but to serve the people of the FCT. Kingibe made the declaration while responding to Wike’s remarks over her position on the approval of loans obtained by the FCT Administration. Her response comes after Wike dismissed her concerns, saying the FCT Administration could not obtain a loan without National Assembly approval.
Kingibe said she remained committed to asking questions on public borrowing, government spending and other issues affecting the FCT, despite attempts to intimidate her. In a post on her verified X handle on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Kingibe emphasised that she would not be deterred from performing her constitutional responsibilities as a senator. She stressed that the will of the people of the FCT would prevail at the 2027 election.
Wike had questioned Kingibe’s chances of returning to the Senate in 2027, saying the people of the FCT had made their choice and would support President Bola Tinubu and former FCT Senator Philip Aduda. However, Kingibe rejected any suggestion that an individual could determine who would represent the FCT in the Senate in 2027, saying the decision belonged to the electorate.
Kingibe challenged Wike to produce the Senate Votes and Proceedings showing when approval for the loan was obtained. She argued that President Bola Tinubu had sought Senate approval for loans, stressing that public officials must remain accountable to the people. Kingibe also stated that she could only speak for the Senate, not the House of Representatives.
The senator further argued that she would continue to scrutinise issues affecting the FCT and speak whenever the interest of the territory demanded it. Kingibe made the remarks following comments by Wike during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Abuja. Wike had dismissed Kingibe’s position on the FCT loan, saying there was no way the FCT Administration could obtain a loan without the approval of the National Assembly.
Kingibe’s response to Wike highlights the ongoing debate over the approval of loans obtained by the FCT Administration. The issue has sparked a disagreement between the senator and the FCT Minister, with Kingibe insisting on transparency and accountability in government spending. The development has significant implications for the people of the FCT, who will have to make informed decisions in the 2027 election.
Key to the issue is the question of who will represent the FCT in the Senate in 2027. Kingibe’s determination to continue serving the people of the FCT and holding public officials accountable has set her apart from Wike, who appears to be backing other candidates. The outcome of the 2027 election will ultimately determine the future of the FCT and its representation in the Senate.
Key points
- Senator Ireti Kingibe has vowed to continue scrutinising issues affecting the FCT and speaking out when necessary.
- Kingibe challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to produce Senate Votes and Proceedings showing approval for FCT loans.
- The disagreement between Kingibe and Wike has significant implications for the 2027 election in the FCT.
