A public dispute between Senator Ireti Kingibe and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has escalated, with both officials exchanging accusations over Abuja's debt and their respective political futures. According to Kingibe, Abuja's debt has ballooned from N88.5 billion in August 2023 to N389 billion by March 2026, citing figures from the Debt Management Office. She alleges that the loans were taken without National Assembly approval.
Wike has strongly rejected Kingibe's claims, insisting that due process was followed in obtaining the loans. The House of Representatives has sided with Wike, with Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese stating that there is no evidence of any breach, as borrowing for infrastructure is lawful with required approvals. Despite this, the argument between Kingibe and Wike has persisted.
The dispute has taken a political turn, with Wike declaring during a road inspection that Kingibe will not return to the Senate in 2027. He called her an illiterate on public finance and endorsed former senator Philip Aduda as her replacement. This move is seen as a continuation of their rivalry, which began when Kingibe defeated Aduda to win the FCT seat in 2023.
There was a brief period of détente in May 2025, when Kingibe praised Wike's N1.78 trillion budget presentation and Wike publicly declared their rift over. However, the truce lasted less than a year, as Abuja's debt figures continued to climb. Kingibe has since responded, stating that power belongs to God and that Wike cannot stop her, suggesting his focus on her stems from her opposition party membership.
Wike is incorporating the fight into his 2027 messaging, using visible road projects across Abuja as evidence for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's record. Kingibe, on the other hand, wants these projects investigated. The public feud has raised questions about the governance of Abuja and the political ambitions of its leaders.
The rivalry between Kingibe and Wike has significant implications for the 2027 elections. Kingibe's opposition party membership and her victory over Aduda in 2023 have created a structural rivalry with Wike. The FCT Minister's endorsement of Aduda as Kingibe's replacement has further intensified the political battle.
As the dispute continues, residents of Abuja are watching closely, concerned about the impact of the power struggle on the city's development. The rising debt figures and allegations of impropriety have raised questions about the management of the city's finances and the priorities of its leaders.
Key points
- - The dispute between Kingibe and Wike centers on Abuja's rising debt and allegations of lack of National Assembly approval for the loans. - Wike has endorsed former senator Philip Aduda as Kingibe's replacement in the 2027 elections. - The public feud has significant implications for the 2027 elections and the governance of Abuja.
