Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed his opinion that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not retain her seat in the Senate after the 2027 election. Kingibe, a member of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been at odds with Wike over the FCT Administration's borrowing of funds for infrastructure projects. Wike made these comments during an inspection of road projects in Abuja, defending the administration's decision to borrow money for development.
Wike strongly criticized Kingibe, describing her as "an illiterate" who has nothing to offer the people of the FCT. He claimed that residents of the territory have already decided to support President Tinubu and Philip Aduda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the FCT Senate seat. Wike expressed confidence that Aduda will succeed Kingibe, stating that the people have made their choice.
The dispute between Wike and Kingibe began when Kingibe alleged that the FCT Administration had taken loans without the approval of the National Assembly. Kingibe cited information from the Debt Management Office, which showed that the FCT's domestic debt had increased significantly since Wike became minister. According to the debt figures, the FCT's domestic debt stood at N88.51 billion in September 2023 and rose to N389.88 billion by March 2026.
Wike rejected Kingibe's argument that borrowing itself was wrong, stating that the focus should be on how the funds were being used. He emphasized that the administration was using the loans to develop infrastructure, which would ultimately improve residents' quality of life. Wike also pointed out that the House of Representatives had earlier rejected Kingibe's allegations, with Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese stating that there was no evidence of wrongdoing by the FCT Administration.
During the inspection, Wike showcased ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, including work on the N1 road and other routes linking Tunga Madaki to Zuba and Kagini. He expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded on the projects, which are expected to improve transportation and economic activity in the affected areas. Wike connected the project inspection to the 2027 election, stating that the work being carried out would allow residents to see the achievements of the Tinubu administration.
Wike used the opportunity to promote the achievements of the Tinubu administration, stating that the infrastructure projects would serve as a campaign for the 2027 election. He noted that the ban on campaigning had been lifted for the President and National Assembly, and that his work would speak for itself. Wike expressed confidence that residents would support the APC and President Tinubu, given the progress being made in the FCT.
The latest exchange between Wike and Kingibe has highlighted the ongoing political tensions in the FCT. Wike's backing of Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat has set the stage for a competitive election in 2027. The development of infrastructure projects in the FCT is expected to be a key issue in the election, with residents eager to see the impact of the administration's efforts on their quality of life.
Key points
- Wike criticizes Kingibe, describing her as "an illiterate" who has nothing to offer the people of the FCT.
- The FCT's domestic debt has increased significantly since Wike became minister, rising from N88.51 billion in September 2023 to N389.88 billion by March 2026.
- Wike backs Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat, expressing confidence that he will succeed Kingibe.
